The Response of Artificial Aging to Sorption Properties of Biochar for Potentially Toxic Heavy Metals

Abstract

This paper evaluates the effect of simulated conditions of artificial aging on sorption capacity of two types of biochar. These were produced by slow pyrolysis from different feedstock -beech wood chips (BC A) and garden green waste residues (BC B). Cadmium served as a model for potentially toxic metals. Twenty freeze-thaw cycles were used to simulate physical aging. The determination of biochar physicochemical properties showed main changes in CEC and SA values of aged sorbents. The maximum sorption capacities of aged BC A sorbent were higher by about 26 % and aged BC B sorbent by about 20% compared to Q max of non-aged biochar. Q max of aged BC B peaked at 9.4 mg g -1 whereas BC A sorbed significantly less Cd. FT-IR analyses confirmed the changes in structural composition and content of functional groups on biochar surfaces. The artificial physical aging model was assessed as an efficient tool for investigation of natural weathering conditions.

The Different Faces of Biochar: Contamination Risk Versus Remediation Tool

“…The high sorption capacity of biochar to metal elements is made possible by high specific surface area, high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and long residence time in soil (Beesley et al 2015). Biochar surfaces may be modified during pyrolysis or by post-treatments with reagents inducing artificial aging to increase the binding capacity deliberately and for specific purposes (Chen et al 2011;Fristak et al 2014).…”

Removal of Nickel from Aqueous Solutions by Natural Bentonites from Slovakia

“…The removal of metal ions by adsorption is of wide research interest, as it is a relatively cheap and easy-to-implement method [ 14 ]. Different materials may be used as adsorbents for metal ions and may be obtained from organic, biological, or mineral sources (e.g., agricultural waste, aquatic and terrestrial biomass, biochar [ 15 ] naturally occurring in soil and mineral deposits, and other locally available waste materials) [ 16 ].…”

Effect of Physical and Chemical Activation on Arsenic Sorption Separation by Grape Seeds-Derived Biochar

“…Our previous studies [10,12,14] showed relevant roles of surface chemical modification by Fe-impregnation in sorption separation several cationic and anionic chemical forms. On the other hand physical activation by steam, heat, freeze,-thawing cycles can alter sorbent properties as well [15][16][17]. However, the detailed information about combined effect of physical and chemical modification of sorbent is still missing.…”