Novel Torrefied Coco Peat Biochar: A Sustainable Solution for Norfloxacin Removal

The study introduces torrefied coco peat biochar as a highly efficient adsorbent for norfloxacin (NFX) removal, showcasing remarkable adsorption efficiency, surface adsorption kinetics, and desorption capability. Techno-economic analysis confirms its sustainability and profitability, contributing to agrowaste minimization and circular economy principles in water treatment.

March 23, 2024

1–2 minutes

Poddar, Sarkar, & Sarkar (2024) Norfloxacin adsorption by torrefied coco peat 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 as a novel adsorbent in a circular economy framework. *Environmental Research.* https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2024.118711

In a recent study, researchers introduced torrefied coco peat biochar as a highly efficient adsorbent for norfloxacin (NFX) removal, showcasing its potential for sustainable water treatment. The biochar exhibited exceptional NFX adsorption efficiency of 99.19%, following a pseudo-second-order kinetics mechanism predominantly driven by surface adsorption. Notably, the adsorption process was characterized by non-ionic, monolayer, spontaneous, exothermic, and physical adsorption behaviors.

Further analyses confirmed the mesoporous structure and large effective surface area of the biochar, contributing to its remarkable adsorption capacity. Optimal process parameters were identified, leading to a maximum NFX adsorption of 99.52%. Desorption experiments yielded an impressive 88.47% recovery rate of NFX crude crystal using 80% ethanol, highlighting the potential for resource recovery.

The study also conducted a comprehensive techno-economic analysis, affirming the sustainability and profitability of the process. Despite the bulk expense associated with biochar preparation, the potential revenue generated from selling recovered NFX at a higher price outweighed the costs, making the process economically viable.

This research addresses the urgent need for effective removal of NFX, a persistent micropollutant with detrimental environmental and health impacts. Conventional wastewater treatment methods often fall short in eliminating such contaminants, underscoring the importance of advanced and sustainable approaches like adsorption using biochar.

By repurposing waste 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 like coco peat into a valuable adsorbent, this study not only offers a solution for NFX removal but also contributes to agrowaste minimization and circular economy principles. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of torrefied coco peat biochar as a promising tool for addressing water pollution challenges while simultaneously promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.