<![CDATA[ABSTRACT Activated carbon is a material that has a high carbon content that can be made from organic and inorganic materials, in condition the materials have a porous structure. The research aims to determine the characteristic of moisture content, ash content and the volatile matter of activated carbon from Musa textilia as well as to improve physical quality of the water. The results of research indicated that moisture content, ash content and volatile matter of activated carbon from Musa textilia were 3.8%, 4.8% and 95.46% respectively. The application of activated carbon in water indicated that colour of the water was 82 TCU, total dissolved solid was 306.7 mg/L, and the water had charcoal smell. The produced water does not reach the water quality standard, while the temperature of the water after application of activated carbon was 27oC and water turbidity was 10 NTU and was in compliance with water quality standard. Key words: activated carbon, plantain skin waste, physical quality of water ABSTRAK Arang aktif merupakan material yang memiliki kadar karbon tinggi yang dapat dibuat dari bahan organik maupun anorganik, dengan syarat bahan tersebut mempunyai struktur pori. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik kadar air, kadar abu dan bagian yang hilang pada arang aktif kulit pisang raja (Musa textilia) serta untuk meningkatkan kualitas fisik air. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa arang aktif kulit pisang raja (Musa textilia) menghasilkan kadar air, kadar abu dan bagian yang hilang sebesar 3,8%, 4,8% dan 95,46%. Hasil pengaplikasian arang aktif pada air menghasilkan warna air sebesar 82 TCU, zat padat terlarut sebesar 306,7 mg/L, serta air berubah menjadi berbau arang. Hasil tersebut belum memenuhi standar mutu air bersih, sementara suhu air adalah 27oC serta nilai kekeruhan air sebesar 10 NTU dan sudah sesuai dengan standar mutu air bersih. Kata kunci: Arang aktif, limbah kulit pisang raja, kualitas fisik air]]>
