Wood-based biochar for the removal of potentially toxic elements in water and wastewater: a critical review

Abstract

Recently, biochar has received significant attention, especially for the removal of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from water and wastewater. No review has been focused on the potential use of wood-based biochar (WB) for the removal of PTEs in water and wastewater. Here, we have critically reviewed the (i) preparation and characterisation of WB; (ii) removal efficiency of WB for PTEs in water with respect to its physicochemical characteristics, biochar/ water ratio, pH, and sorption system; (iii) removal mechanisms of PTEs by WB; (iv) fate of the sorbed PTEs onto WB; and (v) recovery of the sorbed PTEs from the resultant sludge of WB. We also discussed the removal of PTEs by engineered/designer WB as compared to pristine WB. This review demonstrates the overarching scientific opportunities for a comprehensive understanding of using WB as an emerging biosorbent and a promising low-cost and effective material for the remediation of PTEs contaminated water.

Comparative Adsorptive Removal of Phosphate and Nitrate from Wastewater Using Biochar-MgAl LDH Nanocomposites: Coexisting Anions Effect and Mechanistic Studies

“…The evaluation of the adsorption rate of phosphate and nitrate onto B 5 MgAl composite was conducted at three different concentrations (10,30, and 50 mg/L) with different contact times (0-840 min) while other parameters such as pH, temperature, dosage were kept constant. As shown in Figure 5a,b, for both nitrate and phosphate, the rate of adsorption was fast at the first 120 min followed by slow adsorption and reached equilibrium within 180-600 minutes for 10-50 mg/L of anions concentrations.…”

“…In recent years, substantial research has directed interest in developing biochar-based derivatives as super adsorbents for enhanced remediation of various toxic contaminants from an aqueous medium [30,31]. In particular, coupling biochar with LDH showed a promising and sustainable approach to significantly improve adsorbent characteristics and removal efficiency of pollutants due to the synergetic effect of biochar, and LDHs led to an improvement in surface active sites and thus resulted in enhanced sorption performance.…”

Comprehensive review on production and utilization of biochar

“…Shaheen et al [141] derived wood-based biochar as an emerging bio-sorbent which has potential to remove toxic elements from water and wastewater. The biochar material's high surface area and its reactivity further its uses in water filters for the removal of pathogens such as lipids and phenol from water, as studied by Werner et al [142].…”

Biochar-based materials and their applications in removal of organic contaminants from wastewater: state-of-the-art review

“…Several research reports have also proved the excellent adsorption ability of BC in the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater (Oladipo and Ifebajo 2018;Fan et al 2017;Li et al 2018b). The characteristics of BCs and use of different types of BCs for removing organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater are reviewed and published by Inyang et al (2016), Mohan et al (2014) and Shaheen et al (2018).…”

“…In light of the increasing interests and advances of biochar-based materials, a number of excellent reviews and monographs have been published in the recent decade (Inyang et al 2016;Cha et al 2016;Shaheen et al 2018;Ahmed et al 2016;Tan et al 2016;Wei et al 2018;Wu et al 2017a). For example, Tripathi et al (2016) have reviewed the process parameters on production of BCs and discussed their effects on BCs yields (Tripathi et al 2016).…”