Analysis of Iron (Fe) Removal from Post-Tin Mining Ponds Using Sugarcane Bagasse Activated Carbon: A Case Study in Riding Panjang Village, Bangka Regency

Abstract

The Bangka Belitung Islands Province is one of Indonesia’s major tin-producing regions, where extensive mining activities have generated numerous post-mining ponds containing heavy metals that threaten aquatic ecosystems and environmental sustainability. This study evaluated the effectiveness of activated carbon derived from sugarcane bagasse for the removal of iron (Fe) from water collected from a post-tin mining pond in Riding Panjang Village, Bangka Regency, Indonesia. A quantitative experimental method was employed using a continuous adsorption system. The effects of adsorbent dosage (1, 2, and 3 g) and contact time (15, 30, 45, and 60 min) were investigated through 12 experimental runs using 1.2 L of pond water per treatment. Initial concentrations of Fe were 0.246 mg/L, respectively. Removal efficiencies were determined by comparing metal concentrations before and after treatment. The results showed that sugarcane bagasse activated carbon effectively reduced the concentrations of all investigated metals. The highest Fe removal efficiency (62.60%) was achieved using 1 g of activated carbon with a contact time of 45 min, decreasing the concentration from 0.246 mg/L to 0.092 mg/L. These findings suggest that sugarcane bagasse activated carbon is a low-cost, sustainable, and environmentally friendly adsorbent for treating heavy metal-contaminated water in post-tin mining areas.