We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Chemically activated walnut shell-derived biochar for enhanced adsorption of dibutyl phthalate
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers made a charcoal-like material (biochar) from walnut shells and treated it with chemicals including hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. In lab tests, the sodium hydroxide treated version removed the most dibutyl phthalate, a chemical found in microplastics, from solution and kept working after six reuse cycles with only a small drop in performance.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a crucial component in microplastics, posing a serious threat to human health. Biochar (BC) can be obtained from agricultural by-products and wastes, which has attracted great attention as a promising candidate for DBP removal. Herein, walnut shell-derived biochar is prepared using pyrolysis method, followed by pretreatment with water, hydrochloric acid (HCl), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), respectively. According to the characterization of morphology, component, and porous structure, HCl pretreated biochar shows the highest specific surface area of 205.61 m2 g-1, which is expected to promote the physical adsorption process of DBP. Based on adsorption kinetics and isotherms experiments, NaOH pretreated biochar exhibits the largest adsorption capacity (7.08 mg g-1), and the removal rate only decreased by 8.2% after six cycles. In addition, thermodynamic analysis indicating that NaOH pretreated biochar shows the minimized Gibbs free energy of - 3.559 kJ mol-1 K-1, owing to the joint effect of physical adsorption and chemical adsorption. This work helps to further research the application of biochar-based materials in DBP removal.
More Papers Like This
Adsorptive Removal of Dimethyl Phthalate Using Peanut Shell Derived Biochar from Aqueous Solutions: Equilibrium, Kinetics and Mechanistic Studies.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested peanut shell-derived biochar as an adsorbent for removing dimethyl phthalate — a plastic-associated chemical — from water. The biochar showed strong adsorption performance, with removal efficiency depending on pH, contact time, and concentration. Phthalate esters leaching from plastic products are widespread environmental contaminants linked to hormonal disruption.
One-step synthesis of magnetic biochar via co-pyrolysis of walnut shells and Fe-rich mine tails for adsorption capacity improvement of polystyrene sulfonate microplastics: Role of microplastic size
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists created a magnetic biochar from walnut shells and iron-rich mining waste that effectively absorbs polystyrene microplastics from water. The iron-enhanced biochar performed about ten times better than untreated biochar, with electrostatic interactions and pore-filling being the main capture mechanisms. This low-cost material made from waste products could be a practical tool for removing microplastics from water, potentially reducing human exposure through drinking water.
Pristine and modified biochar comparison for environmental micro(nano)plastic removal: adsorption dynamics, influencing factors, mechanisms, and regeneration potential
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles called micro(nano)plastics are turning up in our water and soil, and scientists are studying charcoal-like material called biochar as a cheap, eco-friendly way to filter them out. This review of existing research found that "modified" biochar (treated with chemicals or heat to boost its plastic-trapping power) works significantly better than plain biochar at soaking up these particles. While this technology isn't yet ready for large-scale use, it's a promising step toward cleaning up the tiny plastics that end up in our drinking water and food supply, which is important since these particles have raised concerns about potential health risks.
Adsorption of Pollutants from Wastewater by Biochar: A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how biochar, a carbon-rich material made from organic waste, can be used to remove pollutants including microplastics, heavy metals, and organic chemicals from wastewater. Biochar works by adsorbing contaminants onto its surface, and its effectiveness can be improved through chemical modifications. The technology offers a low-cost, sustainable approach to water treatment that could help reduce microplastic contamination in water supplies.
Removal of micro- and nano-plastics from aqueous matrices using modified biochar – A review of synthesis, applications, interaction, and regeneration
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how modified biochar materials can be used to remove micro- and nanoplastics from water. Researchers found that chemical functionalization and nanoparticle integration of biochar significantly improve its ability to capture plastic particles through mechanisms like electrostatic interaction and physical adsorption. The study also highlights challenges in regenerating used biochar for sustainable reuse in water treatment applications.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.