This study focused on enhanced Carbendazim (CBZ) removal by using dual filter media of calcined clay (CC) and biochar (WB-BC) in a continuous fixed-bed column. The experiments were carried out using synthetic and real water. In the continuous system with an initial CBZ concentration of 0.2 mmol L−1, a flow rate of 4 mL min−1, a bed depth of biochar 1 cm and a pH of 6.8, the optimal values for the mass transfer zone (0.64 cm) and adsorption capacity (0.38mmolg−1) were observed. Furthermore it was observed that the dual filter media of WB-BC and CC effectively adsorbs CBZ from real water matrix, with an average adsorption capacity of 0.33mmolg−1. Significant reduction in the concentrations of chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, Ca2+, and Mg2+ were also observed in real water samples along with CBZ removal. Analysis using mass-transfer models showed that BDST model effectively described the breakthrough curve data. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealed that WB-BC exhibits a stronger interaction and higher adsorption capacity for CBZ compared to CC as evidenced by a shorter vertical distance (2.711 Å) and higher adsorption energy value (−42.95kJmol−1) in case of WB-BC-CBZ complex. Additionally, the larger band gap (ΔE) value (2.881 eV) for WB-BC-CBZ complex indicates superior structural stability and chemical hardness.
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