Chafik, et al (2024) 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 characteristics and Pb²⁺/Zn²⁺ sorption capacities: the role of feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More variation. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-024-05646-0

Biochar has gained attention for its ability to remediate metal-contaminated environments, thanks to its impressive metal sorption capabilities. A recent study evaluated biochars derived from various feedstocks to determine their effectiveness in addressing Pb2+ and Zn2+ contamination.

The study analyzed biochars from palm fronds, citrus wood, eucalyptus wood, eucalyptus chips, and argan nut shells. These biochars were characterized based on 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, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, ashAsh is the non-combustible inorganic residue that remains after organic matter, like wood or biomass, is completely burned. It consists mainly of minerals and is different from biochar, which is produced through incomplete combustion.   Ash Ash is the residue that remains after the complete More content, porosityPorosity of biochar is a key factor in its effectiveness as a soil amendment and its ability to retain water and nutrients. Biochar’s porosity is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature, and it plays a crucial role in microbial activity and overall soil health. Biochar More, and specific surface area. Additionally, surface functional groups were examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, while elemental composition was assessed through CHNS–O analysis. Sorption effectiveness was tested at different concentrations of Pb2+ and Zn2+, using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. Scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was employed to evaluate biochar morphology and metal associations.

Among the tested biochars, palm frond (Pf) biochar stood out with the highest pH (8.84), electrical conductivity (10,745 µS cm−1), porosity (91%), ash content (23.9%), and specific surface area (171 m2 g−1). It also exhibited the highest sorption capacity for Pb2+ at 175.5 mg g−1. For Zn2+, biochars from citrus wood and eucalyptus chips were particularly effective, with sorption capacities of 58.4 and 28.5 mg g−1, respectively.

The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis highlighted the associations of Pb2+ and Zn2+ with silica and calcium, providing deeper insights into the mechanisms of metal sorption. This research underscores the potential of biochar, especially from palm fronds, in developing future remediation strategies for metal-contaminated environments.