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Purpose – The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) contents in sediment of Faunus ater (F. ater) population density and to analyze the relationship between Pb and Zn accumulation in F. ater with F. ater density in Reuleng River, Leupung, Aceh Besar.

Design/Methodology/Approach – Sampling was conducted in November 2016 until January 2017. Density of F. ater was analyzed by density formula while its relationship to Pb and Zn in sediments and F. ater was conducted by correlation analysis method.

Findings – The results showed that correlation between Pb and Zn in sediments and in F. ater varies at each locations on every month of sampling. Pb and Zn content in sediments found a fluctuating relationship in each month of sampling with density of F. ater. Correlation of Pb content in sediments with F. ater density showed a medium correlation in January 2017 with r-value = 0.665. Zn in sediment has a very strong correlation to F. ater density in November 2016 with r-value = 0.891. Pb in F. ater has a medium correlation to F. ater density in January 2017 with r-value = 0.436. Furthermore, accumulation of Zn in F. ater to its density does show some apparent correlation in each month of sampling.

Research Limitation/Implications – This research gives information about the relationship of Pb and Zn contents in sediment to density of F. ater and to analyze correlation of Pb and Zn in F. ater to density of F. ater in Reuleng River, Leupung, Aceh Besar district.

Originality/Value – This is the first time research is conducted about on the correlation between lead and zinc to obtain the density of F. ater.

Purpose – In this research, we have prepared activated carbon (AC) from the waste of banana peels (Musa acuminate L.) using potassium hydroxide (KOH) for carbon monoxide (CO) adsorption from motorcycle gas emission.

Design/Methodology/Approach – The activation was conducted using a chemical activator (KOH) at various concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 N for 1, 2, and 3 h, respectively. Characteristics of banana peels AC (BPAC) produced were analyzed using the Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings – Results showed that KOH concentration and activation time strongly affected the CO adsorption and opening of the AC surface pore. There was an increase in the CO sorption when the KOH concentration was increased up to 3 N concentration. The highest CO adsorption from the emission occurred at 70.95% under KOH concentration of 3 N during the 3-h preparation.

Research Limitations/Implications – BPAC has been used as an adsorbent for only CO from motorcycle gas emission but not as an adsorbent for HC, NO, NO_x, or H₂S.

Practical Implications – BPAC can be used as the potential adsorbent for the removal of CO from motorcycle gas emission, and it is an environmental friendly, low cost, and easy to make adsorbent.

Originality/Value – In this study, the AC is made from biomass and is used in wastewater treatment, but limited studies are found on the removal of CO from motorcycle gas emission.

Purpose – In this study, the possibility of the application of rice husks for adsorbing Mn(II) ion in the water phase has been studied.

Design/Methodology/Approach – Experimental studies have been initiated by preparing activated carbon from rice husks. The activation of rice husks was done using both physical and chemical treatment methods through heating at 110 °C and washing with citric acid activator at 0.2 M, 0.4 M, and 0.6 M. The adsorption tests were conducted as two part tests: preliminary and primary. The preliminary test was conducted to choose the best condition of four independent variables, i.e., contact time (0–120 minutes), activator concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 M), initial Mn(II) concentrations (10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/L), and adsorption temperatures (30, 47, and 67 °C).

Findings – By identifying the substituted groups using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy after activation with citric acid, it was found that the highest transmittance percentage was present in activated carbon with 0.2 M of citric acid. The best adsorption capacity and efficiency was 13.87 mg/g and 79.60%, respectively, which were obtained at 200 mg/L initial concentration with a 0.2 M citric acid concentration for 120 min contact time at 47 °C. These results lead to a conclusion that rice husks after activation with citric acid can be applied as an adsorbent for Mn(II) adsorption in the water phase.

Research Limitations/Implications – The activated carbon produced was only applicable for the adsorption of Mn(II) ions from the water phase, but not applicable for the adsorption of other heavy metals ions.

Practical Implications – Rice husks were potentially prepared as an adsorbent for Mn(II) ion adsorption in the water phase that was low cost, environmental friendly, and easy to prepare.

Originality/Value – Activated carbon prepared from biomass was mostly carried out using acids at high concentrations while the study was conducted using weak acids (citric acid) at low concentrations.