Block et al., in their research published in ACS Omega, explored the potential of using 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 derived from spent coffee grounds as a sustainable material for removing organic pollutants from water. The researchers developed a new type of activated carbonActivated carbon is a form of carbon that has been processed to create a vast network of tiny pores, increasing its surface area significantly. This extensive surface area makes activated carbon exceptionally effective at trapping and holding impurities, like a molecular sponge. It is commonly More (AC) from spent coffee grounds, using MgCO3 as an activating agent to enhance the biochar’s surface area and porosityPorosity of biochar is a key factor in its effectiveness as a soil amendment and its ability to retain water and nutrients. Biochar’s porosity is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature, and it plays a crucial role in microbial activity and overall soil health. Biochar More. The resulting biochar, referred to as IB2001, proved highly effective in removing a range of organic pollutants, including dyes like methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO), pharmaceuticals such as diclofenac (DCF) and tetracycline (TET), and the xenoestrogen bisphenol A (BPA).  

The study found that IB2001 removed up to 100% of these pollutants from aqueous solutions, with removal efficiencies depending on the 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 of the solution. The researchers also tested the biochar’s performance in removing contaminants from mixtures, revealing its preference for certain compounds while maintaining high adsorption capacities for all contaminants.

  This research highlights the potential of spent coffee biochar as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to commercial AC, which is often produced from fossil resources. By utilizing a readily available waste product, this approach promotes a circular economy and reduces the environmental impact of water treatment.  

Source: Block, I., Rawel, H. M., Klamroth, T., Günter, C., Kim, J., Loepthien, F., … & Taubert, A. (2025). Improving spent coffee biochar for effective organic contaminant removal from aqueous media. ACS Omega, 10(5), 4614–4623.https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c09171