Biochar for mitigating pharmaceutical pollution in wastewater: A sustainable solution

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Pharmaceutical contaminants (PCs) are persistent pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, posing risks to environmental and human health.
• Biochar, a pyrolysis-derived material, shows potential as a sustainable adsorbent for PC removal from wastewater.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of biochar adsorption for various pharmaceutical contaminants.
• To summarize successful applications of biochar in wastewater treatment.
• To identify future research directions for optimizing biochar efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on biochar adsorption of pharmaceutical contaminants.
• Analysis of biochar properties influencing adsorption (porosity, surface area, functional groups).
• Examination of adsorption mechanisms (physical and chemical interactions).

Main Results:

• Biochar demonstrates effective removal of common PCs like tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and ibuprofen (58-91% removal).
• Adsorption is driven by physical forces (Van der Waals) and chemical interactions (electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, surface complexation).
• Biochar's efficacy depends on feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, and pharmaceutical properties.

Conclusions:

• Biochar is a promising adsorbent for pharmaceutical contaminant removal in wastewater treatment.
• Further research is essential for understanding adsorption mechanisms, optimizing biochar production, and developing regeneration strategies for sustainable application.