Modification of Banana Peel Powder for Absorbent of Metal Ion Mn(ii) and Cr(vi)

Abstract

In this study Banana Peel Powder (BPP) was modified. Modification shave done by cross linking the poly saccharide of banana peel with Epichlorohydrin (Epi) as crosslinker agent and gamma rays as initiator. This modification aims to improve the physical and chemical properties of BPP in order to extend the life time and increase the adsorption capacity of metalions. The results showed that the optimum irradiationdose on a modified banana peel powder (MBPP) was achieved at a dose of 10 kGy with Epi concentration of 10 %. Under these conditions, the MBPP ability to absorb metal ion Mn (II) increased up to 160 % compared to the pre modified. But the MBPP ability to absorb metal ion Cr (VI) decreased by 43.10 %. There were improvements in acid resistant of the MBPP, the acid resistant test indicated by a decrease of 104.55 %. Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR) analysis seen a shift in wave peak numbers before and after irradiation, indicating the occurrence of crosslinking reaction in the polysaccharide