Zhu, Zb., Lai, Ht., Wang, Rs. et al. Waste controls waste: fluoride adsorption behavior and mechanism on modified phosphogypsum 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. BiomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More Conv. Bioref. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-024-05987-3

Industrial waste management is an essential environmental concern, with green methods becoming increasingly important. This study focuses on the reuse of phosphogypsum (PG), a byproduct of industrial processes, to create an effective adsorbent for wastewater treatment. By modifying PG with sodium carbonate, researchers developed a modified phosphogypsum biochar (MP-BC). This biochar, produced by combining the modified PG with pineapple peel, was tested for its ability to remove fluoride from wastewater.

The analysis of MP-BC showed that its primary chemical component is calcium oxide, indicating that modified PG enhances the biochar’s physical properties. The MP-BC demonstrated a significant fluoride adsorption capacity of 133 mg/g, with an impressive 97.23% fluoride removal efficiency in actual PG leachate. The primary mechanism behind this process was chemical precipitation, where fluoride ions are converted into calcium fluoride.

This method of utilizing PG not only addresses the challenge of PG waste pollution but also exemplifies the concept of “treating waste with waste,” contributing to the sustainable management of industrial byproducts. By repurposing phosphogypsum in this manner, the study highlights a practical approach to mitigating environmental impacts while improving wastewater treatment processes.