Energy cost optimization of groundwater treatment using biochar adsorption process: An experimental approach

Abstract

Abstract This study has aimed to reduce the energy costs using agricultural waste derived (pistachio shells) biochar application for groundwater treatment. An energy cost indicator has been figured out applying a new quantitative approximation. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been applied to optimize the energy costs of groundwater treatment. Energy costs assessment of groundwater treatment has been carried out with regards to nitrate (NO3−), fluoride (F−), boron (B), iron (Fe (II)) and lead (Pb) removal for March (before irrigation) and October (post irrigation) related to 10 observation points in an arid and semi-arid area. When lead removal leads to the highest energy costs in the plant, nitrate removal has the lowest energy costs. The total energy costs would be reduced averagely at 44.5 and 52.5% in March and October, respectively when biochar adsorption was applied in the plant. According to the DEA model, the optimum energy consumption belongs to biochar adsorption in terms of fluorite removal with the value of 434.95 kWh/d. According to DEA analysis, NO3− is a low energy-intensive parameter and Pb is a high energy-intensive parameter. The results of the DEA model have been overlapping with the energy cost indicator.