Synthesis and Application of Graphene-Phase Biochar from Theobroma Cacao Pod Husks Using Slow Pyrolysis Technique in the Treatment of Fats, Oil, and Grease from Actual Wastewater

This research reports the applicability of the produced graphene-phase biochar (GPB) adsorbent in the treatment of actual wastewater contaminated by fats, oil, and grease (FOG) through the process of packed-bed column adsorption. The GPB was synthesized using acetic acid pre-treatment and heat treatment from biochar generated from the pod husks of Theobroma cacao. Column adsorption studies were performed by modification of the column parameters, specifically: the flow rate, bed height, and the initial influent concentration. The highest percentage removal was 99.70% which was recorded by employing the 20 ml min−1 flow rate, 150 mm bed height, and 78,880.0 mg L−1 of influent concentration. With these findings, it can be inferred that Theobroma cacao pod husks waste can be successfully employed for the treatment of fats, oil, and grease from actual wastewater from quick-service restaurants.