We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Removal of benzotriazole derivatives by biochar: Potential environmental applications
Summary
Researchers tested two types of biochar made from fruit tree kernels for their ability to remove benzotriazole compounds, which are common industrial wastewater pollutants. They achieved high removal efficiencies of up to 526 milligrams per gram, even in real wastewater samples. The study suggests that biochar from agricultural waste could serve as an effective and sustainable tool for treating contaminated water.
Benzotriazole and its derivatives (BTAs) are commonly present in wastewater due to their extensive use in industrial processes, yet their removal is still unexplored. Here, we test the removal of these pollutants using two functionalised biochars, synthesised from wild plum (WpOH) and apricot (AsPhA) kernels. The aim of this work was to optimise the adsorption process against various BTAs (i.e., benzotriazole (BTZ), 4-hydroxy-1H-benzotriazole (OHBZ), 4-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (4 MBZ), 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (5 MBZ), 5-chloro-1H-benzotriazole (ClBZ), 5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzotriazole (DMBZ)), and determine the adsorption mechanisms at play, using real wastewater matrices. Batch studies showed that the optimal adsorption pH ranged between 4 and 6 for WpOH and AsPhA, respectively, and equilibrium was reached after 240 min. The kinetic models that best described the adsorption process were in the following order: Elovich model > pseudo-second order model > pseudo-first order model. The equilibrium data showed the highest correlation with the Freundlich isotherm, indicating multilayer adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained in mixtures was 379 mg/g on WpOH and 526 mg/g on AsPhA. The mechanistic work revealed that the BTAs became bound to the biochar primarily through H-bonding, n-π and π-π EDA interactions. In wastewater, obtained before and after conventional treatment, the concentration of OHBZ and BTZ was reduced by >40%, while the concentration of the other compounds studied fell below the detection limit (∼2.0-90 ng/L). Finally, using a Vibrio fischeri assay, we showed that adsorption onto AsPhA significantly reduced the relative toxicity of both raw and treated wastewater.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Scavenging microplastics and heavy metals from water using jujube waste-derived biochar in fixed-bed column trials
Researchers found that biochar derived from jujube waste effectively removed over 99% of nylon and polyethylene microplastics from water in fixed-bed column trials, while also demonstrating capacity for heavy metal removal at optimal neutral pH.
Recent advances in biochar technology for aquatic pollution control: a critical review of applications, barriers, and future opportunities
Researchers reviewed two decades of research on biochar — a charcoal-like material made from organic waste — as a low-cost tool for removing pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, microplastics, and nutrients from water, achieving up to 80% pollutant removal. While promising, challenges in regeneration and scaling up production remain barriers to widespread use.
Adsorption of Pyraclostrobin in Water by Bamboo-Derived and Pecan Shell-Derived Biochars
This paper is not about microplastics — it studies how biochar derived from bamboo and pecan shells can adsorb the fungicide pyraclostrobin from water, addressing agricultural chemical pollution rather than microplastics.
Emerging contaminants in polluted waters: Harnessing Biochar's potential for effective treatment
This review explores how biochar, a carbon-rich material made from organic waste, can be used to remove a wide range of pollutants from contaminated water, including microplastics, heavy metals, antibiotics, and PFAS. Biochar works through multiple mechanisms like adsorption, electrostatic interactions, and chemical bonding, and can be enhanced through surface modifications. The study highlights biochar as a low-cost, adaptable tool for addressing emerging water contaminants.
Recent trends and economic significance of modified/functionalized biochars for remediation of environmental pollutants
Researchers reviewed recent advances in modified biochars — charcoal-like materials made from organic waste — as low-cost tools for removing chemical pollutants from contaminated soil and water. By altering biochar's physical and chemical properties through various treatment techniques, scientists have significantly improved its ability to bind and neutralize a wide range of harmful substances.