Muniasamy, et al (2024) Kaolinite-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 nano composite material derived from Roystonea Regia for the removal of Copper (Cu2+) from effluent. Revista Matēria. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-7076-RMAT-2024-0638
Heavy metal contamination in industrial wastewater poses a significant threat to ecosystems and public health. Copper (Cu2+), while essential in trace amounts, becomes toxic at higher concentrations, potentially causing bioaccumulation and harming organs like the liver and kidneys. Effective removal of such pollutants is critical for maintaining environmental safety.
This study investigates the use of biochar derived from the Roystonea Regia (Royal Palm) plant, modified with kaolinite clay, as a low-cost, efficient adsorbent for copper removal. Biochar was prepared by burning the plant at 560°C and chemically treating the resulting material with hydrochloric acid and kaolinite. Batch adsorption experiments evaluated the material’s performance.
Key findings include:
1. Efficiency: The biochar achieved a maximum copper removal efficiency of 83.28% at optimal adsorbent concentration.
2. Optimal Conditions: Adsorption was most effective at a neutral pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More (7) and stabilized with an adsorbent concentration of 50–60 mg/L.
3. Kinetics and Models: The removal process followed the Yoon-Nelson and Thomas models, indicating the predictability of the adsorption dynamics.
4. Material Properties: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed structural changes and chemical binding sites responsible for copper adsorption.
The findings highlight Roystonea Regia-based biochar as a sustainable alternative for industrial wastewater treatment, offering an eco-friendly solution to heavy metal contamination. Further research could optimize its application on a larger scale.
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