Juturu, et al (2024) Efficient removal of hexavalent chromium from wastewater using a novel magnetic 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 composite adsorbent. Journal of Water Process Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.105908

A recent study explores an innovative approach to removing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from wastewater, using a novel magnetic biochar composite (MBC). Hexavalent chromium is a toxic pollutant found in industrial effluents, posing significant environmental and health risks.

The research team synthesized the MBC from Acacia falcata leaf powder through a one-step hydrothermal carbonization process, integrating Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The MBC exhibited superparamagnetic properties, making it easy to separate from water using an external magnetic field. Various characterization techniques, including SEM, EDS, XRD, and FTIR, confirmed the successful synthesis and effective adsorption properties of MBC.

Batch adsorption experiments revealed that the MBC’s maximum adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) was 36.15 mg/g, with optimal removal occurring at 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 2 and a temperature of 303 K. The adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating that both chemical reduction and physical adsorption played roles in the removal mechanism. The Hill isotherm model provided the best fit for the adsorption data, suggesting that multiple molecules could interact at the adsorption sites, leading to a cooperative adsorption process.

Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the Cr(VI) removal was spontaneous and endothermic. Additionally, the MBC showed good reusability, with 0.1 M NaOH proving to be an effective regenerating agent. The presence of competing anions like phosphate did reduce the efficiency, but overall, the MBC demonstrated significant potential for environmental remediation, especially for treating Cr(VI)-contaminated water from various sources. This study underscores the potential of MBC as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment.