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Scottish softwood biochar for water remediation targeting selected persistent organic pollutants

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Ashleigh Fletcher, Professor Lidija Siller

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

A Scottish wood biochar sample was investigated for water remediation against persistent organic pollutants as a potential renewable material for adsorption processes. Textural characterisation gave a high surface area (588 m²/g) and a mix of microporous and mesoporous nature with an average pore width of 4 nm. Morphological analysis revealed a layered carbon structure and spectroscopic analysis showed the presence of oxygen and nitrogen-based functionalities. The biochar had an average point of zero charge slightly above neutral. 3-4, DCA kinetic rates were rapid (<5 min), restricting kinetic analysis, while a pseudo second order kinetic model was best suited to represent the kinetic data for acetaminophen and carbamazepine, suggesting chemical control. The adsorption equilibria were most appropriately described by the Sips isotherm model, supplementing the chemical control theory for a multilayer system. Maximum adsorption capacity was relatively all three chemicals, and the biochar demonstrated good removal efficiency against all target species, showing potential as an adsorbent.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Jamal MU, Fletcher A, Baby A, Maso I, Šiller L

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Adsorption Science and Technology

Year: 2024

Volume: 42

Pages: 1-25

Online publication date: 29/05/2024

Acceptance date: 30/04/2024

Date deposited: 08/01/2024

ISSN (print): 0263-6174

ISSN (electronic): 2048-4038

Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/02636174241256854

DOI: 10.1177/02636174241256854

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