Potential Use of Banana Plant (Musa spp.) as Bio-sorbent Materials for Controlling Gaseous Pollutants

Abstract

The use of organic waste as bio-sorbent has been carried out by many researchers in the world. Furthermore, the utilization of plants for treating wastewater is also commonly found in various environmental applications. Nevertheless, a review of the ability of banana plants (Musa spp.) as bio-sorbent to eliminate gaseous pollutants is rarely found and has not been fully understood. In this paper, lignocellulosic biomass from banana plants (bark, stem, leaves, peels, etc) was identified and reviewed. Sorption potential was discussed and taken from various literature which then evaluated to discuss the potential and ability of banana plants as sorbent material for treating gaseous pollutants. Assessment and measurement methods were also discussed to obtain the best sorbent in removing gaseous pollutants. This research was conducted by reviewing scientific articles that discussed the use of lignocellulosic materials derived from banana plants for absorbing various gases. Almost all articles described the manufacture of adsorbents from banana plants that were used to treat wastewater but not many researchers have tried to develop a commercially adsorbent for gas-shaped pollutants. This research is expected to provide essential information for the readers to develop advanced materials used to control environmental pollution especially gaseous pollutants.