Wastewater often contains more than one pollutant. The failure of processing this prior to its disposal to the environment has brought about disadvantages, especially to those who consume the contaminated water. Chitosan, a natural adsorbent, is extracted from Fenneropenaeus merguiensis or white prawn shells which can be abundantly produced as Indonesia produces a huge waste of prawn shells. As wastewater comes in different pH, this extended essay discusses the competitive adsorption of pollutants (Cu2+ and methylene blue (MB)) by chitosan in different pH. NaOH concentration and deacetylation temperature affect chitosan’s adsorption ability, while pH affects its competitive adsorption ability, hence my research question is “ How does varying pH 4 7 of wastewater affect the competitive adsorption of the Cu 2+ and Methylene blue by using chitosan from Fenneropenaeus merguiens is produced by varying the temperature 130° C - 170° C and NaOH concentration 50% - 70% w/v?

Grade: A