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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
Modified biochar from Moringa seed powder for the removal of diclofenac from aqueous solution
Afrouz Bagheri1, Emmanuel Abu-Danso2, Jibran Iqbal3
1Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland. bagha@uef.fi.
Abstract:
In this study, Moringa seed powder (MSP) was pyrolyzed at 450 °C to synthesize Moringa seed powder biochar (MSPB) and treated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) to synthesize phosphate-modified Moringa seed powder biochar (MSPB-HPO) as an adsorbent for the removal of diclofenac (Dfc) from aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and pH point of zero charge (pHpzc) were conducted to give more insight into the adsorbent's properties. The SEM analysis showed the transformations in the surface morphology from the parent material to the synthesized materials after the thermal and acid treatment. EDS analysis revealed the variation in the elemental composition of the materials prior to and after adsorption of Dfc ions. The FTIR analysis showed changes and peak intensities of functional groups involved in Dfc removal. The pHpzc showed the charge carried by MSPB-HPO in different pH conditions. Isotherm data best matched the Sips model, and the pseudo-second-order model best described the adsorption kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacity of MSPB-HPO by Sips model was found to be 100.876 mg g-1.
Insights
Moringa seed powder biochar, modified with phosphoric acid, effectively removes diclofenac from water. This phosphate-modified biochar exhibits a high adsorption capacity of 100.876 mg/g.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Adsorption Science
Background:
- Diclofenac is a common pharmaceutical pollutant in aquatic environments.
- Biochar derived from Moringa seed powder offers a sustainable precursor for adsorbent development.
- Phosphoric acid modification enhances the adsorption properties of biochar.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize phosphate-modified Moringa seed powder biochar (MSPB-HPO) for diclofenac removal.
- To investigate the adsorption mechanism and capacity of MSPB-HPO for diclofenac.
- To evaluate the efficiency of MSPB-HPO as an adsorbent in aqueous solutions.
Main Methods:
- Pyrolysis of Moringa seed powder (MSP) at 450 °C to produce biochar (MSPB).
- Treatment of MSPB with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) to yield MSPB-HPO.
- Characterization using FTIR, EDS, SEM, and pHpzc measurements.
- Adsorption studies to determine isotherm and kinetic parameters.
Main Results:
- SEM analysis revealed morphological changes after thermal and acid treatments.
- EDS and FTIR analyses indicated alterations in elemental composition and functional groups.
- The Sips model best described the adsorption isotherm, and the pseudo-second-order model best described the kinetics.
- The maximum adsorption capacity of MSPB-HPO for diclofenac was determined to be 100.876 mg g-1.
Conclusions:
- Phosphate-modified Moringa seed powder biochar (MSPB-HPO) is a highly effective adsorbent for diclofenac.
- The synthesized biochar demonstrates significant potential for pharmaceutical pollutant removal from wastewater.
- Surface modification with phosphoric acid enhances the adsorbent's capacity and performance.
