Li, et al (2024) Nano-Hydroxyapatite Modified Tobacco Stalk-Based 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 for Immobilizing Cd(II): Interfacial Adsorption Behavior and Mechanisms. Processes. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12091924

Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More of organic waste, has shown great potential for environmental remediation, especially in adsorbing heavy metals like cadmium (Cd). A recent study explored the modification of biochar using hydroxyapatite (HAP) to enhance its performance in capturing cadmium ions. Tobacco stalks, an agricultural waste product, were used to produce biochar (TSB), which was then modified with HAP at two different pyrolysis temperatures, 350°C and 550°C.

Characterization of the modified biochar showed a significant increase in surface area and the introduction of functional groups that enhance cadmium adsorption. The adsorption behavior followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with the modified biochars outperforming their unmodified counterparts. HAP-modified biochar achieved adsorption capacities of 13.17 mg/g and 14.50 mg/g, far exceeding those of unmodified biochar. The adsorption process involved electrostatic interaction, cation exchange, and surface complexation, making the material highly effective for immobilizing cadmium in both soil and water.

This approach offers a sustainable solution for utilizing tobacco stalk waste while addressing heavy metal pollution. The study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of cadmium adsorption and highlights the potential of biochar modification for environmental remediation.