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Batch and Continuous Fixed-Bed Lead Removal Using Himalayan Pine Needle Biochar: Isotherm and Kinetic Studies
Vaishali Choudhary1, Manvendra Patel1, Charles U Pittman2
1School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
ACS Omega
|July 21, 2020
Summary
Pine needle biochar effectively removes lead from water, offering a sustainable solution to Himalayan forest waste. This biochar, produced via pyrolysis, shows high adsorption capacity and potential for remediating other metal contaminants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Pine needle litter in Himalayan forests causes environmental issues like fires, inhibited groundwater recharge, soil acidification, and stunted plant growth.
- Developing sustainable methods to manage pine needle litter is crucial for Himalayan ecosystem health.
- Biochar production offers a potential pathway for valorizing pine needle waste.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the conversion of Himalayan pine needle litter into biochar for environmental remediation.
- To evaluate the efficacy of pine needle biochar (PNBC550) in removing aqueous lead (Pb) through batch and column studies.
- To characterize PNBC550 and understand the adsorption mechanisms of lead.
Main Methods:
- Pine needle litter was pyrolyzed at various temperatures (350–750 °C) using slow pyrolysis.
- Biochar produced at 550 °C (PNBC550) was characterized for its physical and chemical properties (surface area, composition, morphology).
- Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to assess the effects of pH, temperature, and contact time on lead removal. Fixed-bed column studies and desorption experiments were also performed.
Main Results:
- PNBC550 exhibited a BET surface area of 230.9 m²/g and demonstrated increasing lead adsorption with pyrolysis temperature up to 550 °C.
- Optimal lead adsorption occurred at pH 5, with Langmuir adsorption capacity increasing from 22.93 mg/g at 10 °C to 40.43 mg/g at 35 °C, indicating endothermic adsorption.
- Fixed-bed studies showed efficient lead removal, and desorption studies achieved 90-93% lead recovery.
Conclusions:
- High-efficiency biochar derived from Himalayan pine needle litter is a viable solution for lead remediation in aqueous environments.
- This approach addresses the environmental problem of pine needle litter accumulation while providing a functional material for water purification.
- The developed biochar shows potential for removing other metal cations, suggesting broader applications in wastewater treatment.
