Waste Valorization of Coconut Shell Residues into Activated Carbon within the BCG Economy Model for Sustainable Environmental Management

Abstract

The management of coconut processing residues in agricultural communities poses significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges. This study aims to enhance the value of coconut shell waste by producing activated carbon (AC) within the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) framework, thereby balancing waste management, local economic development, and environmental conservation. Coconut shells obtained from community enterprises in Kalasin Province were subjected to carbonization at 700 °C and chemical activation using phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), followed by an evaluation of their physicochemical properties and adsorption performance in wastewater treatment systems. The resulting activated carbon exhibited an iodine number of 958.7 ± 5.2 mg/g, moisture content below 5%, and ash content of 4.60 ± 0.20%. Batch adsorption experiments (n = 3) demonstrated significant reductions in major pollutants, including ammonia–nitrogen (NH₃–N), suspended solids (SS), and Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), which decreased by 34.20%, 34.85%, and 43.35%, respectively. The pH adjustment (19.67%) further reflected the capability of the activated carbon to improve wastewater quality effectively. In addition, economic assessment indicated that the proposed process could reduce coconut waste management costs by 35%. These findings highlight the potential of coconut-shell-based activated carbon as an effective environmental technology, while demonstrating the practical applicability of the BCG model in promoting waste valorization, reducing environmental impacts, and strengthening local circular economies in a sustainable manner.