*** RETURN BALIK AGRO 1 PAGE*** Comparison of chemical properties and adsorption capabilities of different pyrolysis temperature biochar and steam activated biochar derived from Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) / Muhammad Safuan Abu Bakar

A study was conducted at soil science 4 laboratory, Universiti Teknologi MARA Melaka branch, Jasin Campus to determine the chemical properties and adsorption capability of empty fruit bunch (EFB) biochar and steam activated biochar. Biochars were produced from empty fruit bunch (EFB) by slow pyrolysis process with different level of pyrolysis temperatures (300-400°C, 400-500°C, and 500-600°C). Biochar from 400-500°C was activated by steam method. The results show that, the pH value of these biochar is ranging from 6.84 to 10.58 which is alkaline except for 300-400°C. Steam activated biochar has highest value of electricity conductivity (EC) which is 10.35 mS cm-1. Value of potassium (K) for 300-400°C pyrolyzed temperature was the lowest which is 4886 meanwhile the highest result of K is biochar at pyrolysis temperature of 400-500°C which is 5514. Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) was used in conduct adsorption test of the biochars. Overall, biochar with 400-500°C pyrolyzed temperature has a potential as a soil amendment to treat cadmium contaminated soil because it has highest adsorption rate which is 2298.2645. Freundlich isotherm was fitted well for all temperature range produced from Modification of Gas Burner (MGB), meanwhile Langmuir isotherm was suitable for steam activated biochar.