Abstract
In this study, we have examined how the activation of hydrothermally carbonized sewage sludge and horse manure influences the inorganic component of these materials and surface chemistry. This was examined through statistical correlations between kinetic tests using trimethoprim, fluconazole, perfluorooctanoic acid, and copper, zinc, and arsenic and physicochemical properties. Yield and inorganic content varied considerably, with potassium hydroxide–activated materials producing lower yields with higher inorganic content. Phosphoric acid activation incorporated inorganically bound phosphorus into the material, although this showed no statistically relevant benefit. A maximum surface area of 1363 m2g−1 and 343 m2g−1 was achieved for the horse manure and sewage sludge. Statistical analysis found positive correlations between carbon-oxygen functionalities and trimethoprim, fluconazole, perfluorooctanoic acid, and copper removal, while inorganic content was negatively correlated. Conversely, arsenic removal was positively correlated with inorganic content. This research provides insight into the interactions with the organic/inorganic fraction of activated waste materials for water treatment.
Highlights
Highlights The impact of activation conditions on waste-based hydrochar was explored Waste-based activated carbon outperformed commercial granular activated carbon Inorganic material had a negative correlation to the removal of organic pollutants H3PO4 activation bound phosphate groups to the inorganic material in sewage sludge Inorganic material in sewage sludge enhanced the removal of carbon under activationResponsible editor: Zhihong XuElectronic supplementary material The online version of this article contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.The conversion of waste materials into useful value-added products is a prerequisite for achieving a sustainable society
As Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) temperature increases, oxygen is lost while carbon content increases, resulting in less oxygen being removed in the activation step
This is attributed to the incorporation of phosphate (PO43−) groups into the activated carbon, which can be seen in the XPS data
Summary
Activated carbon is currently employed as an adsorbent material in wastewater treatment facilities for the removal of organic micropollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and perfluorinated compounds (Cooney 1998; Hansen et al 2010; Wong et al 2018). These facilities produce waste products in the form of sludges (Saveyn et al 2005), which can be converted into the activated carbon that can be fed back into the water treatment cycle. Sewage sludge contains a range of inorganic materials, such as iron, silicon, aluminum, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
