Wei, et al (2024) Study on the Adsorption Performance of BiocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More/Montmorillonite Composites for Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2920/1/012010

Antibiotic pollution in water, particularly from ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP), poses significant environmental and health risks. A recent study explored the use of biochar/montmorillonite composites as efficient, low-cost adsorbents for removing CIP from wastewater.

The composites were prepared using pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More and intercalation techniques. Compared to single materials, they offered improved surface areas and pore structures, enhancing their adsorption capabilities. Optimal ratios of montmorillonite to biochar were identified as 1.5:1 for pyrolysis and 2:1 for intercalation, resulting in superior CIP removal rates of 69% and 92%, respectively.

Key findings showed that these composites performed best in alkaline environments (pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More 10), with adsorption efficiency influenced by temperature, CIP concentration, and contact time. Adsorption adhered to the Langmuir isotherm model, suggesting a uniform adsorption process. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the process was spontaneous, heat-absorbing, and accompanied by increased system disorder, promoting stability.

However, challenges remain. Recycling tests indicated a significant decline in adsorption capacity after five cycles, highlighting the need for improved regeneration methods. Despite these limitations, the study demonstrates the potential of biochar/montmorillonite composites as sustainable solutions for antibiotic wastewater treatment, leveraging agricultural byproducts like rice husks.

Future research should expand on other pollutants and optimize composite regeneration methods to enhance long-term efficiency. This study marks a promising step toward addressing the pressing issue of antibiotic pollution in water bodies.