We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Investigating the Adsorption Efficiency of Banana Pseudo-Stem Derived Biochar for Polyethylene Microplastic Removal from Aqueous Solutions
Summary
Researchers synthesized banana pseudo-stem biochar at three pyrolysis temperatures and tested it as a low-cost adsorbent for removing polyethylene terephthalate microplastics from water, finding that higher pyrolysis temperatures produced more effective biochar with greater adsorption capacity.
Microplastic pollution, particularly from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has emerged as a significant environmental concern due to its persistence and toxicity in aquatic systems. This study evaluates the use of banana pseudo-stem (BPS) biochar as a low-cost, sustainable adsorbent for removing PET microplastics from water. Biochar was synthesized at 450°C, 550°C, and 650°C using slow pyrolysis. PET microplastics (<150 μm) were prepared from plastic waste and used to create stock solutions. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted under varying pH (4, 7, 9), dosage (2, 4, 6 mg), and contact times (30–90 min). Characterization via TGA, FTIR, and CHNS revealed that higher pyrolysis temperatures enhanced the aromaticity, surface area, and carbon content of the biochar. The highest adsorption efficiency was recorded at 650°C, with 6 mg of biochar at pH 9. These findings support the potential of BPS biochar as an environmentally friendly and effective solution for microplastic removal and valorization of agricultural waste.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Removal of polystyrene microplastics using biochar-based continuous flow fixed-bed column
Scientists built a water filtration column using biochar made from banana peels that removed up to 92% of polystyrene microplastics from flowing water. The system works through a combination of adsorption, filtration, and the natural water-repelling interaction between the biochar and plastic particles. This low-cost approach using agricultural waste could offer a practical solution for removing microplastics from water in communities that lack advanced treatment infrastructure.
Addition of biochar as thin preamble layer into sand filtration columns could improve the microplastics removal from water
Researchers found that adding a thin biochar layer to sand filtration columns greatly improved microplastic removal from water, with biochar produced at higher pyrolysis temperatures performing better due to stronger electrostatic interactions with plastic particles.
Biochar-facilitated remediation of nanoplastic contaminated water: Effect of pyrolysis temperature induced surface modifications
Researchers synthesized sugarcane bagasse biochar at three pyrolysis temperatures and found that biochar produced at 750°C removed over 99% of nanoplastics from water within 5 minutes, with monolayer sorption kinetics and a capacity of 44.9 mg/g, offering a rapid and efficient agricultural-waste-derived remediation approach.
Trends in the applications of biochar for the abatement of microplastics in water
This review examines how biochar can be used to remove microplastics and nanoplastics from water, summarizing recent advances in biochar modification strategies that improve adsorption capacity and minimize secondary pollution risks.
The Use of Biochar for Removal of Emerging Contaminants in Contaminated Water
This literature review examined 15 studies on biochar for removing emerging contaminants from water and effluents, finding that biochar made from waste raw materials is a low-cost, efficient, and scalable adsorbent for various pollutants. The review is relevant to microplastic research as biochar has potential as a treatment material for water contaminated with emerging contaminants co-occurring with microplastics.