Alginate / Polyvinyl Alcohol / Bentonite Hydrogel Beads for Cu (II) Adsorption

Heavy metal pollution is a major problem for most water areas. One way to remove heavy metal ions is through the adsorption process by using a combination of alginate / polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel. Adding bentonite can make for good adsorption and be effective. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of hydrogels for the adsorption of heavy metals Cu (II) in liquid waste from the paper industry. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experimental method with 5 treatments and 3 replications. Types of treatments include control treatments and the addition of bentonite with a ratio of 0.5-1.25%. The best treatment will be applied to liquid waste. The results showed that hydrogel beads from alginate / polyvinyl alcohol / bentonite have significant differences between treatments on the adsorption of heavy metal Cu (II). The best treatment was the addition of 1% bentonite (P4) with an adsorption capacity of 74.43%. The results of the application on liquid waste showed the following adsorption capacity: Cr (65.13%) > Cu (60.84%) > Pb (44.47%). Suggestions that can be given for further research are the application of hydrogel beads to other heavy metals that have the potential to increase adsorption capacity, such as Cr.