Abstract
Lake Erie experiences annual harmful algal blooms (HAB), but generated HAB biomass may provide a waste-based precursor for environmental remediation materials. Three classes of materials (i.e., algal powder biosorbent, porous carbon, and iron/carbon (Fe/C) composite) are prepared from HAB biomass. Algal powder is nonporous with diverse functional groups. Porous carbon, prepared via one-pot carbonization and activation, has surface area up to 430 m2/g. Fe/Cs are prepared by cultivating HAB biomass in iron-rich media, followed by one-pot pyrolysis. Fe/Cs have over 6 wt% iron (Fe0 and Fe3O4) and nitrogen doping (up to 4 wt%). Materials were applied in phenol and Cr(VI) removal tests to identify preferred products for use in water treatment applications. In deionized water, porous carbon removes the most phenol (52 mg/g), followed by algal powder (38 mg/g) and Fe/C (33 mg/g). Micropore volume and functional groups improve phenol removal. Cr(VI) removal follows: Fe/C (43 mg/g) > porous carbon (28 mg/g) > algal powder (17 mg/g), with synergistic adsorption and reduction elevating Fe/C's performance. Cr(VI) and phenol removal studies were completed with variable pH, ionic strength, and water composition to highlight application potential. This work proposes HAB biomass reuse for pollution control, investigating interaction mechanisms between materials and contaminants.
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.
