a b s t r a c tGranular wood-derived biochar (BC) was compared to granular activated carbon (GAC) for the treatment and nutrient recovery of real wastewater in both batch and column studies. Batch adsorption studies showed that BC material had a greater adsorption capacity at the high initial concentrations of total chemical oxygen demand (COD -T ) (1200 mg L Elemental analysis showed that both materials accumulated phosphorous during wastewater treatment (2.6 ± 0.4 g kg À1 and 1.9 ± 0.1 g kg À1 for BC and GAC respectively). They also contained high concentrations of other macronutrients (K, Ca, and Mg) and low concentrations of metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Cu). The good performance of BC is attributed to its macroporous structure compared with the microporous GAC. These favorable treatment data for high strength wastewater, coupled with additional lifecycle benefits, helps support the use of BC in packed bed column filters for enhanced wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery.

No abstract

A liter-scale system showed real world potential for energy positive wastewater treatment and desalination.