Enhanced sulfamethazine removal by steam-activated invasive plant-derived biochar.
Recent investigations have shown frequent detection of pharmaceuticals in soils and waters posing potential risks to human and ecological health. Here, we report the enhanced removal of sulfamethazine (SMT) from water by physically activated biochar. Specifically, we investigated the effects of steam-activated biochars synthesized from an invasive plant (Sicyos angulatus L.) on the sorption of SMT in water. The properties and sorption capacities of steam-activated biochars were compared with those of conventional non-activated slow pyrolyzed biochars. Sorption exhibited pronounced pH dependence, which was consistent with SMT speciation and biochar charge properties. A linear relationship was observed between sorption parameters and biochar properties such as molar elemental ratios, surface area, and pore volumes. The isotherms data were well described by the Freundlich and Temkin models suggesting favorable chemisorption processes and electrostatic interactions between SMT and biochar. The steam-activated biochar produced at 700 °C showed the highest sorption capacity (37.7 mg g(-1)) at pH 3, with a 55% increase in sorption capacity compared to that of non-activated biochar produced at the same temperature. Therefore, steam activation could potentially enhance the sorption capacities of biochars compared to conventional pyrolysis.
Korea Biochar Research Center & Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea; Chemical and Environmental Systems Modeling Research Group, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Anushka Upamali
AU
Rajapaksha
Chemical and Environmental Systems Modeling Research Group, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Meththika
M
Vithanage
Soil Sciences Department, College of Food & Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
Mahtab
M
Ahmad
Department of Biological Environment, Sunchon National University, Sunchon 540-742, Republic of Korea.
Dong-Cheol
DC
Seo
Department of Biological Environment, Sunchon National University, Sunchon 540-742, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: chojs@sunchon.ac.k.
Ju-Sik
JS
Cho
School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Republic of Korea.
Sung-Eun
SE
Lee
Korea Biochar Research Center & Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea.
Sang Soo
SS
Lee
Korea Biochar Research Center & Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: soilok@kangwon.ac.kr.
Yong Sik
YS
Ok
D000327:Adsorption; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018533:Biomass; D002606:Charcoal / Q000737:chemistry*; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D010944:Plants / Q000737:chemistry*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry; D013227:Steam; D013418:Sulfamethazine / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013816:Thermodynamics; D019155:Veterinary Drugs / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D013227:Steam; D019155:Veterinary Drugs; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C540010:biochar; D002606:Charcoal; D013418:Sulfamethazine
Activated carbon; Black carbon; Charcoal; Emerging contaminants; Slow pyrolysis; Veterinary antibiotics