Mourgkogiannis, et al (2024) The Influence of Biowaste Type on the Physicochemical and Sorptive Characteristics of Corresponding 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 Used as Sustainable Sorbent. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072889

In a recent study, researchers explored the use of biowaste raw materials for the preparation of biochar 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 at 850 °C in a limited oxygen atmosphere, aiming to contribute to environmental sustainability by offering a novel solution for water purification. This investigation delved into the physicochemical properties of biochar produced from various biowastes including coffee residues, grape seeds, and rice husks, analyzing their effectiveness in removing methylene blue (MB), a common pollutant, from water. Through comprehensive characterization methods such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, TGA, and N2-sorption, the study found that all biochar samples exhibited high specific surface areas, favorable for the physical adsorption of MB. Notably, biochar derived from coffee residues demonstrated the highest MB sorption capacity, making it a promising candidate for water purification applications.

The research aligns with several United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, by proposing a sustainable method for treating anthropogenic wastewater. Additionally, it touches on SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 16: Life on Land, highlighting the importance of utilizing biochar not only for environmental protection but also for promoting a circular economy. This study underscores the potential of transforming biowaste into valuable materials for environmental applications, thereby contributing to the sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems and mitigating CO2 emissions. The findings suggest a significant step forward in the development of efficient, low-cost biochar sorbents, opening new pathways for the utilization of biowaste and enhancing water purification technologies.