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Phenoxy herbicide removal from aqueous solutions using fast pyrolysis switchgrass biochar
Matthew Essandoh1, Daniel Wolgemuth1, Charles U Pittman1
1Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, USA.
Chemosphere
|February 5, 2017
Summary
Low-cost biochar effectively removes phenoxy herbicides like 2,4-D and MCPA from water. This sustainable material offers superior adsorption capacity compared to expensive activated carbons, indicating novel mechanisms at play.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Herbicide contamination poses risks to human health and ecosystems.
- Effective and affordable methods for herbicide removal are crucial for environmental protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of low-cost biochar in removing phenoxy herbicides from aqueous solutions.
- To characterize the biochar and understand its adsorption mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Biochar preparation via fast pyrolysis.
- Characterization using FT-IR, SEM, pHpzc, elemental analysis, and surface area measurements.
- Sorption experiments across varying pH, concentration, and temperature; isotherm modeling.
Main Results:
- Biochar demonstrated significant adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA).
- Maximum adsorption capacities were ~134 mg/g for 2,4-D and ~50 mg/g for MCPA at pH 2.
- Biochar exhibited exceptionally high per-unit surface area adsorption capacity, surpassing commercial activated carbons.
Conclusions:
- Low-cost biochar is a highly effective adsorbent for phenoxy herbicides.
- The study suggests biochar swelling in water creates additional adsorption sites beyond surface area.
- This finding presents a cost-effective and sustainable solution for herbicide water remediation.
