School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Aqueous lead removal using biochar-pumice filter derived from avocado seed, aspen bedding and palm tree frond

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-8-2025

Abstract

Biochar is an adsorptive material to treat metal-contaminated water. In the present study, a total of 9 different biochars were investigated for aqueous lead (Pb2+) removal: avocado seed (AB), aspen bedding (BE), and palm tree frond (PT) at three pyrolysis temperatures (400, 600 and 800 °C). Biochar characterization and batch adsorption tests using the nine biochars plus a commercial activated carbon (AC) were performed to evaluate the initial pH effects (pH 2–14) on the Pb2+ removal. A series of column experiments using biochar-pumice filter (2.2-cm in diameter and 5-cm in height) were also conducted to evaluate Pb2+ breakthrough under saturated flowing conditions and the measured breakthrough curves were fitted with Thomas dynamic adsorption kinetics model. All biochars and AC showed a rapid Pb2+ removal (initial Pb2+ at 50 mg L−1) in pH 2–6 and the PT biochars showed consistent Pb2+ removal in a wide range of pH (4–12). The column data showed that PT biochar-pumice filter performed better in treating Pb2+ solution (50 mg L−1) than AB and BE biochars, and was comparable to AC. The Pb2+ sorption capacity of the filter estimated at relative Pb2+ concentration (effluent/influent) = 0.90 was the highest with the PT biochar produced at 400 °C (13.23 mg g−1) followed by AC (13.06 mg g−1) and PT biochar at 800 °C (10.49 mg g−1). The presence of oxygen-containing functional groups in the PT biochars particularly at 400 °C was likely responsible for the enhanced Pb2+ removal via surface complexation or electrostatic attraction.

Publication Title

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology

DOI

10.1007/s13762-025-06757-y

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