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PRODUCTION AND EVALUATION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM GROUNDNUT SHELL FOR ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Activated carbon is a versatile material known for its adsorption capabilities, making it valuable in various industries such as water treatment, air purification, and chemical processing. Groundnut shells, a by-product of the agricultural industry, have shown promise as a sustainable source for producing activated carbon due to their high carbon content and availability.

Environmental pollution is a problem both in developed and developing countries urbanization such as population growth and urbanization invariably place greater demands on the planet and stretch the use of natural resources to the maximum. It has been argued that the carrying capacity of Earth is significantly smaller than the demands placed on it by large numbers of human populations and overuse of natural resources often results in nature’s degradation (G. Aranobich and Donolwe, 1998).  

Is a multidisciplinary academic field which systematically studies human interaction with the environment in the interests of solving complex problems. Environmental studies bring together the principles of sciences, Commerce/Economics and Social Sciences so as solve contemporary environmental problems. It is a broad field of study that includes also the natural environment, built environment, and the sets of relationships them. The field encompasses study in basic principles of solve contemporary environmental problems. It is a broad field of study includes also the natural environment, built environment, and the sets of relationships between them. The field encompasses study in basic principles of ecology and environmental science, as well as associated subjects such as ethics, geography, policy, politics, law, economics, philosophy, environmental sociology and environmental justice, planning pollution control and natural resource management. Ecology and environmental science, as well as associated subjects such as ethics, geography, policy, politics, law, economics, philosophy, environmental sociology and environmental justice, planning, pollution control and natural resource management.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Despite the potential of groundnut shells as a raw material for activated carbon production, there is a need to optimize the production process to enhance economic viability and environmental sustainability.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of producing activated carbon from groundnut shells. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of activation methods on the adsorption capacity of the activated carbon.

ii. To determine the economic viability of producing activated carbon from groundnut shells compared to traditional sources.

iii. To find out the environmental benefits of utilizing groundnut shells for activated carbon production.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of different activation methods on the adsorption capacity of activated carbon derived from groundnut shells?

ii. What is the economic viability of producing activated carbon from groundnut shells compared to traditional sources?

iii. How does the use of groundnut shells for activated carbon production contribute to environmental sustainability?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis I

H0: There is no significant impact of activation methods on the adsorption capacity of activated carbon from groundnut shells.

H1: There is a significant impact of activation methods on the adsorption capacity of activated carbon from groundnut shells.

Hypothesis II

H0: There is no significant difference in economic viability between producing activated carbon from groundnut shells and traditional sources.

H2: There is a significant difference in economic viability between producing activated carbon from groundnut shells and traditional sources.

Hypothesis III

H0: There is no significant contribution to environmental sustainability by utilizing groundnut shells for activated carbon production.

H3: There is a significant contribution to environmental sustainability by utilizing groundnut shells for activated carbon production.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it explores a sustainable approach to activated carbon production, potentially reducing reliance on traditional carbon sources while providing economic opportunities for agricultural communities.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the production process of activated carbon from groundnut shells, including the evaluation of different activation methods, economic analysis, and environmental impact assessment. It does not cover other sources of activated carbon or alternative agricultural residues.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Limitations may include variations in groundnut shell properties based on geographical location, limitations in experimental conditions, and potential constraints in scaling up production to industrial levels.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Activated Carbon: A highly porous form of carbon with a large surface area, used for adsorption of gases, liquids, and impurities.

Groundnut Shells: The outer covering of groundnuts (peanuts), typically considered as agricultural waste.

Adsorption Capacity: The ability of a material to attract and retain molecules of a substance on its surface.