Adsorption of common greywater pollutants and nutrients by various biochars as potential amendments for nature-based systems: Laboratory tests and molecular dynamics*

0582396 - ÚCHP 2025 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Sochacki, A. - Lebrun, M. - Minofar, B. - Pohořelý, Michael - Vithanage, M. - Sarmah, A.K. - Hudcová, B.B. - Buchtelík, P. - Trakal, L.
Adsorption of common greywater pollutants and nutrients by various biochars as potential amendments for nature-based systems: Laboratory tests and molecular dynamics*.
Environmental Pollution. Roč. 343, FEB 15 (2024), č. článku 123203. ISSN 0269-7491. E-ISSN 1873-6424
Institutional support: RVO:67985858
Keywords : aqueous-solutions * sorption * phosphate
OECD category: Energy and fuels
Impact factor: 8.9, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access with time embargo

Spruce wood and Typha (wetland plant) derived biochars pyrolyzed at 350 degrees C and 600 degrees C were tested for their sorption affinity for organic pollutants (diclofenac, methylparaben, benzotriazole and sodium 1-decanesulfonate) and nutrients (nitrate, ammonium, phosphate and boron) commonly found in greywater. Batch and column studies combined with molecular dynamics modelling determined the sorption capacity, kinetics, and described the underlying mechanisms. The spruce biochar (600 degrees C) exhibited the highest sorption capacity mainly for the tested organics. The dynamic test performed for spruce biochar (600 degrees C) showed that the magnitude of desorption was low, and the desorbed amount ranged between 3 and 11 %. Molecular dynamics modelling (a computational tool for elucidating molecular-level interactions) indicated that the increased sorption of nitrate and boron on spruce biochar (600 degrees C) could be attributed to hydrophobic interactions. The molecular dynamics shows that predominant adsorption of organic pollutants was governed by 7C-7C stacking, with a minor role of hydrogen-bonding on the biochar surface. In summary, higher pyrolysis temperature biochar yielded greater adsorption capacity greywater borne contaminants and the reaction temperature (10-34 degrees C) and presence of anionic surfactant had a limited effect on the adsorption of organic pollutants, suggesting efficacious application of biochar in general for greywater treatment in nature-based systems.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0350488