Effectiveness of Oil Palm Oil Empty Bunches in Reducing BOD and COD in Padang Tualang Palm Oil Factory Liquid Waste in 2017

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 109 views

Effectiveness of Oil Palm Oil Empty Bunches in Reducing BOD and COD in Padang Tualang Palm Oil Factory Liquid Waste in 2017

The Importance of Sustainable Waste Management in the Palm Oil Industry

Indonesia is renowned as the world's largest oil palm producing country, with a significant impact on the global economy. However, the production process of palm oil generates a substantial amount of liquid waste, which contains high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). These high levels of BOD and COD can lead to severe environmental and health consequences, making it essential to explore effective methods for reducing these pollutants.

The Role of Oil Palm Empty Bunches in Waste Reduction

One of the side products of the palm oil production process is the oil palm empty bunch, which can be utilized as an adsorbent to reduce BOD and COD levels in liquid waste. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of oil palm empty ash in reducing BOD and COD levels in oil palm factory liquid waste in Padang Tualang, given the abundance of empty bunch side products available and the high levels of BOD and COD during the harvest season.

Research Methodology

This study employed a pseudo-experimental method with a pretest-posttest design. The sample used was liquid waste from Padang Tualang palm oil mills, where every 300 ml of liquid waste was treated with the addition of oil palm empty ash at 1gr, 2gr, 3gr, 4gr, and 5gr content. As a control, one sample was not given an addition (0gr). Each treatment was repeated three times to ensure the accuracy of the results.

Research Results

The analysis results show BOD and COD levels in each treatment. BOD and COD levels for control (0GR) were recorded at 123.92 mg/L and 344.20 mg/L. Meanwhile, BOD and COD levels for the addition of 1gr were recorded at 90.07 mg/L and 281.43 mg/L each; 2gr: 83.83 mg/l and 261.93 mg/l; 3gr: 76.70 mg/l and 243.96 mg/l; 4GR: 62.42 mg/L and 195.03 mg/L; and 5gr: 58.15 mg/l and 181.73 mg/l. According to the Decree of the Minister of Environment No. 51 of 1995, the maximum limit for BOD and COD content is 100 mg/L and 350 mg/L.

Statistical Analysis

Anova One-way statistical test shows a significant difference between treatments in reducing BOD and COD levels. However, the results of the BNT test show that there is no significant difference in reducing BOD and COD levels among the variations in the addition of empty bunches of ashes. This study found that the addition of oil palm empty ash with 1gr level was the most effective in reducing BOD and COD levels.

Conclusion and Recommendations

From the results of the study, it was concluded that the use of oil palm empty bunches can be an effective method in treating oil palm factory liquid waste in Padang Tualang. Therefore, it is recommended that the oil palm factory in Padang Tualang implement the use of 1gr of oil palm empty ash for every 300 ml of liquid waste as a step in better waste management, as well as to maintain environmental sustainability. This will help in reducing the negative impact of oil palm factory liquid waste and supporting environmentally friendly practices in the palm oil industry.

Future Directions

This study provides a valuable insight into the potential of oil palm empty bunches as an adsorbent for reducing BOD and COD levels in liquid waste. Future studies can explore the feasibility of implementing this method on a larger scale, as well as investigating the effects of other variables on the effectiveness of oil palm empty ash in reducing BOD and COD levels.

Implications for Sustainable Waste Management

The findings of this study have significant implications for sustainable waste management in the palm oil industry. By utilizing oil palm empty bunches as an adsorbent, oil palm factories can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. This study highlights the importance of exploring innovative and effective methods for reducing BOD and COD levels in liquid waste, and encourages further research in this area.

Limitations and Future Research Directions

While this study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of oil palm empty ash in reducing BOD and COD levels, there are several limitations that need to be addressed in future studies. These include the need for further research on the long-term effects of using oil palm empty ash as an adsorbent, as well as the effects of other variables on the effectiveness of this method. Additionally, future studies can explore the feasibility of implementing this method on a larger scale, and investigate the economic viability of using oil palm empty ash as an adsorbent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of oil palm empty ash in reducing BOD and COD levels in oil palm factory liquid waste in Padang Tualang. The findings of this study have significant implications for sustainable waste management in the palm oil industry, and highlight the importance of exploring innovative and effective methods for reducing BOD and COD levels in liquid waste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Effectiveness of Oil Palm Oil Empty Bunches in Reducing BOD and COD in Padang Tualang Palm Oil Factory Liquid Waste

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it explores the potential of oil palm empty bunches as an adsorbent for reducing BOD and COD levels in liquid waste, which is a major environmental concern in the palm oil industry.

Q: What are BOD and COD, and why are they important?

A: BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) are measures of the amount of oxygen required to break down organic matter in water. High levels of BOD and COD can lead to water pollution, harm aquatic life, and affect human health.

Q: How does oil palm empty ash work as an adsorbent?

A: Oil palm empty ash is a by-product of the palm oil production process that can be used to absorb and remove impurities from liquid waste. The ash has a high surface area and can effectively capture and remove BOD and COD pollutants.

Q: What were the results of the study?

A: The study found that the addition of oil palm empty ash at a concentration of 1gr per 300ml of liquid waste was the most effective in reducing BOD and COD levels. The results showed a significant reduction in BOD and COD levels compared to the control group.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the palm oil industry?

A: The study highlights the potential of oil palm empty ash as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for reducing BOD and COD levels in liquid waste. This can help the palm oil industry to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including the need for further research on the long-term effects of using oil palm empty ash as an adsorbent, as well as the effects of other variables on the effectiveness of this method.

Q: What are the future directions for this research?

A: Future studies can explore the feasibility of implementing this method on a larger scale, as well as investigating the economic viability of using oil palm empty ash as an adsorbent. Additionally, further research can be conducted to explore the potential of using oil palm empty ash as a treatment for other types of wastewater.

Q: How can the results of this study be applied in real-world settings?

A: The results of this study can be applied in real-world settings by implementing the use of oil palm empty ash as an adsorbent in palm oil factories. This can help to reduce BOD and COD levels in liquid waste, improve water quality, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using oil palm empty ash as an adsorbent?

A: The potential benefits of using oil palm empty ash as an adsorbent include reducing BOD and COD levels in liquid waste, improving water quality, reducing the environmental impact of the palm oil industry, and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Q: What are the potential challenges of implementing this method?

A: The potential challenges of implementing this method include the need for further research on the long-term effects of using oil palm empty ash as an adsorbent, as well as the effects of other variables on the effectiveness of this method. Additionally, there may be challenges related to the availability and cost of oil palm empty ash.