A novel sorbent Ulva lactuca-derived biochar for remediation of Remazol Brilliant Orange 3R in packed column

An up-flow fixed column study was conducted to remediate Remazol Brilliant Orange 3R (RBO3R) from contaminated solutions using biochar derived from Ulva lactuca biomass. The influences of column parameters on dye sorption were studied in detail, which include initial RBO3R concentration, bed depth, and flow rate. Optimization experiments indicated that maximum RBO3R column uptake of 0.114 mmol/g was observed at 0.25 mmol/L (initial RBO3R concentration), 0.3 L/hr (flow rate), and 25 cm (U. lactuca bed depth). Modeling of column sorption data was performed using the Yoon-Nelson, modified dose-response and Thomas models. The spent biochar was desorbed and rejuvenated using 0.01 M NaOH. The elutant (0.01 M NaOH) exhibited 99.7% efficiency, and the process was completed in 115 min with high overall concentration factor of 8.4. PRACTITIONER POINTS: This study explores the impact of column parameters on the dye removal potential of U. lactuca-derived biochar. At optimized condition, the biochar bed exhibited highest Remazol Brilliant Orange 3R uptake capacity of 0.114 mmol/g. The regeneration and desorption of U. lactuca-derived biochar bed was possible with NaOH (0.01 M) as elutant.