Crosslinker effect on composite synthesis of alginate with activated carbon and nanocellulose as micronutrient slow-release fertilizer

Abstract

Purpose: Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) solid waste has potential as a feedstock to be transformed into nanocellulose and activated carbon. In this study, we observed the effect of various compositions of activated carbon, alginate, and nanocellulose on the production of micronutrient slow-release fertilizer composites. Method: The composite of activated carbon/alginate/nanocellulose (C/Alg/NC) with various compositions of 1:1:1; 3:1:1; 1:3:1 and 1:1:3 was synthesized and characterized by using FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDX analysis. Crosslinked effects by Cu and Fe were observed, and composite C/Alg/NC showed slower release of Cu ions, which indicates a good strategy to produce micronutrient slow-release fertilizer. Results: The best composite as a slow-release fertilizer for Cu metal is a 3:1:1 ratio. Over two days, it released 0.05 mg/g, and on the third day, it released an increase up to 0.27 mg/g after five days. Meanwhile, the Fe crosslinker composite with the same composition ratio (1:1:1) performed best as a slow-release fertilizer because Fe released slowly at only around 0.05 mg/g for up to three days. Then, for the next three days, until the 6th day, Fe was released slightly more, up to 0.3 mg/g, and then remained constant until the 9th day. Conclusion: The synthesis of composites from a combination of carbon, alginate, and nanocellulose has become a good strategy for producing slow-release fertilizer. It has also become a solution for utilizing OPEFB solid waste, while this slow-release fertilizer can be used as a source of plant nutrition in oil palm plantations. Research Highlights • Activated carbon and nanocellulose synthesis from sild waste Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) • Composite synthesis with various composition of alginate-activated carbon-nanocellulose • Crosslinker effect of Cu and Fe metal on composite synthesis • Observed release of Cu and Fe as micronutrient slow-release fertilizer

Keywords

• Compost
• Cross Linker Synthesis
• Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches
• Plant Nutrition