Abstract
The utilization of carbon-rich pyrolysis materials in the separation processes of metalloids plays a crucial role in analytes pre-concentration techniques and opens a burning issue in new sorbents development. This study characterized the effect of physical and chemical activation with subsequent iron impregnation of grape seed-derived biochar on sorption removal of As from model aqueous solutions. Sorbents that were produced in slow pyrolysis process at 600 °C were characterized by SEM, elemental, and specific surface area analysis. Sorption separation of As by the studied materials was characterized as on contact time and an initial concentration dependent process reaching sorption equilibrium in 1440 min. Air activated biochar (A1GSBC) showed about 7.7 times and HNO3 activated biochar (A2GSBC) about 6.8 times higher values of Qmax as compared to control (GSBC). A1GSBC and A2GSBC can be easily and effectively regenerated by alkali agent in several cycles. All of these results showed the practical use of the activation process to produce effective sorption materials with increased surface area and improved sorption potential for anionic forms separation from liquid wastes.
Highlights
Arsenic contamination of agricultural soils, grazing soils, and ground waters represents a serious problem in several countries of Europe, such as Spain, France, Czech Republic, and Slovakia [1]
This material has been activated at 400 ◦ C, 2 h by air (2 NL/min), and the resulting material is identified as air activated biochar (A1GSBC)
SEM analysis revealed the main differences in surface morphology of A1GSBC and A2GSBC
Summary
Arsenic contamination of agricultural soils, grazing soils, and ground waters represents a serious problem in several countries of Europe, such as Spain, France, Czech Republic, and Slovakia [1]. European Union (EU) drinking water directives refer very strictly how to meet metalloid standards. Conventional technologies of arsenic removal from liquids include oxidation/precipitation, coagulation/co-precipitation, sorption, and ion exchange [2]. Major oxidation/precipitation methods, such as air and chemical oxidation, represent relatively simple, low-cost, but slow processes. Alum coagulation, iron coagulation, and lime softening are very simple in operation, potentially low-cost, but are characterized by toxic sludges production and low arsenic removal [3]. Sorption separation represents a promising method to remove and concentrate selected metals/metalloids from liquid wastes and contaminated effluents [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
