We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Adsorption and thermal degradation of microplastics from aqueous solutions by Mg/Zn modified magnetic biochars
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed magnesium- and zinc-modified magnetic biochars that achieved over 94% removal efficiency for polystyrene microplastics from water, with performance enhanced by the metal modifications. The modified biochars also showed effectiveness in thermally degrading the captured microplastics, offering a potential two-step approach for microplastic removal and destruction in water treatment.
Microplastics (MPs) derived from plastic wastes have attracted wide attention throughout the world due to the wide distribution, easy transition, and potential threats to organisms. This study proposes efficient Mg/Zn modified magnetic biochar adsorbents for microplastic removal. For polystyrene (PS) microspheres (1 µm, 100 mg/mL) in aqueous solution, the removal efficiencies of magnetic biochar (MBC), Mg modified magnetic biochar (Mg-MBC), and Zn modified magnetic biochar (Zn-MBC) were 94.81%, 98.75%, and 99.46%, respectively. It is supposed that the adsorption process was a result of electrostatic interaction and chemical bonding interaction between microplastics and biochar. The coexisting HPO and organic matters in real water significantly affected the removal efficiency of Zn-MBC due to competitive adsorption effect. Microplastic degradation and adsorbent regeneration were accomplished by thermal treatment simultaneously. The degradation of adsorbed MPs was promoted by the catalytic active sites originated from Mg and Zn, releasing adsorption sites. Thermal regeneration maintained the adsorption capability. Even after five adsorption-pyrolysis cycles, MBC (95.02%), Mg-MBC (94.60%), and Zn-MBC (95.79%) showed high microplastic removal efficiency. Therefore, the low-cost, eco-friendly, and robust Mg/Zn-MBCs have promising potential for application in microplastic removal.
More Papers Like This
A novel polymer coated magnetic activated biochar-zeolite composite for adsorption of polystyrene microplastics: Synthesis, characterization, adsorption and regeneration performance
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a new magnetic composite material made from biochar, zeolite, and polymer coatings that can effectively capture microplastics from water. The material removed over 90 percent of test microplastics and could be regenerated and reused multiple times. The study presents a promising, practical approach for filtering microplastics out of contaminated water using materials that can be magnetically recovered.
Efficient removal of microplastics from aqueous solution by a novel magnetic biochar: performance, mechanism, and reusability
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a magnetic biochar from rice husks that achieved 99.96% removal of microplastics from water, with the material showing excellent reusability and performance under various environmental conditions.
Efficient Removal of Micro-Sized Degradable PHBV Microplastics from Wastewater by a Functionalized Magnetic Nano Iron Oxides-Biochar Composite: Performance, Mechanisms, and Material Regeneration
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a magnetic iron oxide-biochar composite capable of removing biodegradable PHBV microplastics from wastewater with over 98% efficiency. The material worked through a combination of surface adsorption and magnetic separation, maintained performance across a wide pH range, and retained over 92% removal efficiency after four regeneration cycles.
Recent advances and factors affecting the adsorption of nano/microplastics by magnetic biochar
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines recent advances in using magnetic biochar to adsorb nano- and microplastics from aquatic environments. Researchers found that magnetic biochar offers advantages over traditional biochar by enabling easy separation from water using magnets, avoiding secondary pollution from filtration. The study identifies key factors affecting adsorption efficiency and highlights magnetic biochar as a promising tool for microplastic remediation in contaminated water.
Mechanistic and machine-learning insights into microplastic adsorption on modified magnetic biochar for circular-economy applications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated stearic acid-modified magnetic biochar for removing polystyrene microplastics from water, achieving approximately 94% removal efficiency. Machine learning analysis identified contact time, pH, and adsorbent type as the key predictors of removal performance, and the microplastic-laden adsorbent was successfully upcycled for dye removal, demonstrating a circular-economy approach to water treatment.
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.