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Natural sorbents for effective removal of micropollutants, including microplastics, from wastewater
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This study developed natural sorbents based on biochar from plant waste materials for removing pharmaceuticals from wastewater and used bentonite to remove microplastics, designing and testing a semi-industrial sorption column at a real wastewater treatment plant. The approach demonstrated the potential of modified waste materials as cost-effective, sustainable alternatives for removing both chemical and physical micropollutants from municipal wastewater.
Water pollution by micropollutants and microplastics is a growing global problem with negative impacts on ecosystems and human health. This study focuses on the development of effective natural sorbents based on biochar, prepared by pyrolysis of various plant waste materials. The effectiveness of removing selected pharmaceuticals (diclofenac, naproxen, acetaminophen, triclosan) from model wastewater was tested. Competitive sorption was also taken into account. Bentonites were used for the effective removal of microplastics. A semi-industrial column was designed and subsequently tested at a real wastewater treatment plant. The study presents new possibilities for the use of modified waste materials in water treatment.
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