Wijeyawardana, et al (2024) Assessing the life cycle and economic impact of cement-modified 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 compared to conventional adsorbents for heavy metal removal in stormwater. Process Safety and Environmental Protection. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2024.10.050

Biochar has gained attention as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly material for heavy metal removal in stormwater treatment. However, its performance in adsorbing metals like copper, lead, and zinc can be limited due to low surface area and insufficient functional groups. To enhance its efficiency, recent studies have explored chemical modifications, which often involve expensive and harmful chemicals. A promising alternative is the use of cement-modified biochar, which offers an affordable and eco-friendly solution.

This study compared the life cycle and economic impacts of cement-modified biochar to conventional adsorbents like activated carbonActivated carbon is a form of carbon that has been processed to create a vast network of tiny pores, increasing its surface area significantly. This extensive surface area makes activated carbon exceptionally effective at trapping and holding impurities, like a molecular sponge. It is commonly More and zeolite. The findings revealed that adding 1.5% cement to biochar not only improves its adsorption capacity by raising the 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 and promoting metal precipitation but also reduces environmental impacts significantly. The cement-biochar composite had lower global warming potential than paddy husk biochar and sawdust biochar, primarily due to reduced emissions during production.

While raw material sourcing and transportation were identified as the primary contributors to environmental and cost impacts, cement-modified biochar emerged as a sustainable option. It proved to be more cost-effective and efficient for metal removal than traditional methods, particularly in areas with low rainfall and high pollution levels. The study recommends further research into optimizing this method, highlighting its potential for widespread use in urban stormwater treatment systems.

In summary, cement-modified biochar offers a low-cost, high-performance alternative for removing heavy metals from stormwater, balancing environmental sustainability with economic feasibility.