Tailoring Biochar for Enhanced Adsorption and Degradation of Pharmaceuticals

This study enhances biochar’s capacity for pharmaceutical adsorption and degradation. Orange peel biochar, modified with carboxyl and amino groups via ball milling, effectively removed sulfamethoxazole and carbamazepine from wastewater using peroxymonosulfate activation, highlighting its potential for advanced wastewater treatment.

May 30, 2024

1–2 minutes

Xue, et al (2024) Tailoring the surface functional groups of 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 enhanced adsorption and degradation of pharmaceutically active compounds. *Chemical Engineering Journal.* https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.152037

A recent study published in the Chemical Engineering Journal explores the innovative modification of biochar for improved removal and degradation of pharmaceuticals from wastewater. The research, led by Yongtao Xue and colleagues, focuses on tailoring biochar’s surface functional groups to enhance its adsorption capacity and degradation efficiency for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and carbamazepine (CBZ).

The team synthesized biochar from orange peel through 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, followed by a ball milling-assisted process to introduce carboxyl (-COOH) and amino (-NH2) groups. These modifications resulted in biochars with superior adsorption properties for SMX and CBZ, primarily facilitated by hydrogen bonding.

Experimental results showed that both modified biochars (OPBC-COOH and OPBC-NH2) exhibited high degradation efficiencies when combined with peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Specifically, OPBC-COOH and OPBC-NH2 achieved 87% and 92% degradation of SMX, and 73% and 83% degradation of CBZ, respectively.

The study highlights the critical role of oxygen and nitrogen-containing functional groups in activating PMS, which generates sulfate radicals responsible for breaking down pharmaceutical contaminants. This activation occurs through both radical and non-radical pathways, enhancing the overall efficiency of the degradation process.

These findings provide valuable insights into the design of functionalized biochars for environmental applications. By understanding the mechanisms behind adsorption and degradation, this research paves the way for more effective wastewater treatment solutions, addressing contaminants of emerging concern.