In a recent study, researchers investigated the thermo-chemical behavior of Dunaliella salina microalgal biomass, converting it into biochar through pyrolytic treatment at varying heating rates. Thermo-gravimetric analyses revealed the breakdown of moisture, volatile substances, and biochemical components in distinct regimes. Model-free kinetics, including Kissinger-Akahira-Sanose, Flynn-Waal-Ozawa, and Starink iso-conversional correlations, were employed to elucidate kinetic appraisals with activation energy (Ea) values.

The study demonstrated the prepared biochar’s efficacy in removing naphthalene from aqueous media, addressing the environmental concern of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The D. salina-derived biochar exhibited superior sorption, utilizing Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetics. Surface complexation facilitated naphthalene sorption, highlighting the potential of microalgal biomass valorization for pollution reduction.

The research contributes to understanding the thermo-chemical behavior of microalgal biomass and presents a potential approach to address environmental pollution. By combining microalgal biomass valorization with pollution reduction through biochar, the study opens avenues for sustainable solutions to water contamination issues caused by PAHs like naphthalene.