<![CDATA[Sandblasting waste is a by-product of the shipyard industry. Large quantities of this waste are generated during surface cleaning and preparation process. This waste classified as hazardous and toxic waste. Usually, this waste is disposed despite containing a substantial amount of silica. Valorization of sandblasting waste offers a sustainable approach to reducing environmental burdens while promoting resource recovery. This study aimed to extract silica from sandblasting waste using the alkali fusion method. It also characterized the physicochemical properties of the silica as a basis for its potential use as a precursor material for adsorbent. Silica was successfully extracted with an SiO2 of 92,05%, as determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of silanol (Si–OH) and siloxane (Si–O–Si) functional groups, which serve as active adsorption sites. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) revealed a porous surface morphology with SiO₂ as the predominant composition. Furthermore, BET–BJH analysis demonstrated a specific surface area of 278,721 m2/g , average pore diameter of 7,317 nm. A type IV isotherm indicates the formation of a mesoporous structure. These characteristics suggest that the extracted silica possesses favorable physicochemical properties for adsorption processes.]]>
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