Abstract
Chitosan-Modified fast pyrolysis BioChar (CMBC) was used to remove Pb2+ from water. CMBC was made by mixing pine wood biochar with a 2% aqueous acetic acid chitosan (85% deacylated chitin) solution followed by treatment with NaOH. The characterizations of both CMBC and Non-Modified BioChar (NMBC) were done using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface area measurements (SBET), elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ζ-potential measurements. Elemental analysis indicated that chitosan accounts for about 25% weight of the CMBC. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity of CMBC at pH 5 was 134 mg g−1versus 48.2 mg g−1 for NMBC at 318 K. CMBC column adsorption studies resulted in a capacity of 5.8 mg g−1 (Pb2+ conc. 150 mg L−1; pH 5; column dia 1.0 cm; column length 20 cm; bed height 5.0 cm; flow rate 2.5 mL min−1). CMBC removed more Pb2+ than NMBC suggesting that modification with chitosan generates amine groups on the biochar surface which enhance Pb2+ adsorption. The modes of Pb2+ adsorption on CMBC were studied by comparing DRIFTS and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra before and after Pb2+ adsorption.
Highlights
Lead is a primary water pollutant observed in many developing countries.[1]
The combustion of fossil fuels emits lead into the atmosphere and it is deposited back onto land, where it washes into nearby water systems
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lead exposure accounts for approximately 143 000 deaths per year around the world. To reduce such health tragedies, the WHO and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) have determined the lead concentration in drinking water must fall below 10 mg LÀ1, while the aDepartment of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi 39762, USA
Summary
Lead is a primary water pollutant observed in many developing countries.[1] It is introduced to the environment in a variety of ways. The combustion of fossil fuels emits lead into the atmosphere and it is deposited back onto land, where it washes into nearby water systems. Acid mine drainage and discharge from industries that produce ceramics, glass, and acid batteries have been known to release lead into lakes and rivers.[2,3] Lead can cause neurological, renal, hematological, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular problems in humans, and growth, cell division, water absorption and balance problems in ora and fauna.[4] In humans, acute lead poisoning can cause severe kidney,[5] brain, and neurological damage,[6] while long term exposure can induce sterility and abortion.[7] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lead exposure accounts for approximately 143 000 deaths per year around the world. To reduce such health tragedies, the WHO and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) have determined the lead concentration in drinking water must fall below 10 mg LÀ1, while the
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