Environmental pollution poses a complex challenge, requiring innovative solutions to address various contaminants in different media. A recent study published in Cleaner Chemical Engineering by Gomase et al., presents a promising approach by repurposing soybean biowaste into a dual-purpose adsorbent capable of removing pollutants from both water and air.

The research focuses on the development of phosphoric acid-treated soybean 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 (PTSB) through activation and 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 soybean biowaste. This process transforms agricultural waste into a high-value material with a substantial surface area of 289.82 m2g-1, making it an effective adsorbent for various pollutants.

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of PTSB in removing ofloxacin (OFX), an antibiotic pollutant, from aqueous solutions. The adsorption process is influenced by factors such as 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, contact time, and initial concentration.

Furthermore, the research explores the ability of PTSB to adsorb CO2 from the gaseous phase. The biochar demonstrates CO2 adsorption highlighting its potential for carbon capture applications. The study also investigates the regeneration of PTSB, demonstrating its reusability for multiple adsorption-desorption cycles. This research showcases the versatility of soybean biochar as a dual-purpose adsorbent for addressing pollution in both water and air. By transforming agricultural waste into a valuable material, this approach not only promotes sustainability but also provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for environmental remediation. The development of such dual-purpose adsorbents represents a significant advancement in pollution control technologies.

Source: Gomase, V., Rathi, T., Muley, A., Saravanan, D., & Jugade, R. (2025). Soybean biochar as highly efficient adsorbent for ofloxacin from aqueous and CO2 from gaseous phase: Mathematical modelling and regeneration studies. Cleaner Chemical Engineering, 11, 100154.