Asnawati 

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember 

Novita Andarini

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember

Tri Mulyono 

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember

Maimunah Noer Aini 

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember

Nur Fitriyah 

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember

Siswoyo 

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember

Zulfikar 

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember

Yeni Maulidah Muflihah

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember

DOI: https://doi.org/10.19184/icl.v3i2.4284

ABSTRACT 

This study investigates the optimization of an adsorption process using activated coconut shell charcoal to reduce sulfide and ammonia levels in tofu industry wastewater. These pollutants pose significant environmental risks due to their biodegradable nature. Experimental parameters, including adsorbent particle size (50, 60, and 70 mesh), heating temperature (40, 80, 120 °C, and ambient), and contact time (15-60 minutes for sulfide, 20-100 minutes for ammonia), were systematically varied to determine optimal conditions. The initial sulfide and ammonia concentrations in the wastewater exceeded regulatory limits at 0.169 mg/L and 8.177 ppm, respectively. The results indicate that 70-mesh activated charcoal at ambient temperature achieved maximum pollutant removal: 93.46% for sulfide with a 30-minute contact time and 93.693% for ammonia with a 40-minute contact time. These findings offer a promising approach to mitigating the environmental impact of tofu industry wastewater.

Keywords: adsorption, activated coconut shell charcoal, ammonia, sulfide, tofu industry wastewater.