Adsorption of Lufenuron 50-EC Pesticide from Aqueous Solution Using Oil Palm Shell-Derived Activated Carbon

The use of Lufenuron 50-EC pesticide in oil palm crops affects water quality and aquatic life. This study investigated the adsorption of Lufenuron 50-EC from an aqueous solution using activated carbon derived from oil palm shells (OPSs). Activated carbon (AC) was prepared through physical and chemical activation processes in carbon dioxide environments, using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a chemical activating agent. The resulting AC was characterized using standard techniques. The most favorable operating parameters were physical activation at 900 °C for 2 h, achieving a BET surface area of 548 m²/g. For chemical activation, at 800 °C, 1 h, and an impregnation ratio (KOH/biochar) of 2:1 (w/w), a BET surface area of 90 m²/g was obtained, which was smaller than that achieved by physical activation. The use of KOH reduced the surface area but generated a high presence of functional groups on the AC surface, which is important for adsorption processes. The AC produced achieved high Lufenuron adsorption yields, reaching a maximum of 96.93%. AC produced at 900 °C with 2 h showed the best performance. Therefore, OPS is an excellent precursor for producing AC with favorable characteristics for pollutant adsorption in aqueous solutions, especially for the insecticide Lufenuron.