A Case Study on the Use of Magnetic Biochar from Agricultural Waste as Adsorbent of Aqueous Heavy Metals and Micropollutants

Author : Limpin, James Matthew Paz
Major Adviser : Migo-Sumagang, Maria Victoria P.
Committee Members : Migo, Veronica P.; Nisola, Vic Jayson
Year : 2020
Month : July
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract

The overall objective of the study is to do a constructive analysis of the utilization of agricultural waste as a source of magnetically modified biochars as adsorbents of organic micropollutants and heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Moreover, the study aims to evaluate and compare various existing studies and identify the status, trends, gaps, and challenges as well as possible future applications of the technology. The data regarding different methods of preparation, biochar characteristics, adsorption results, and factors affecting adsorption were compiled and studied. The combined use of physical and chemical activation methods rendered high quality magnetic biochar adsorbents with well-developed BET surface area and morphology. The impregnation of magnetic nanoparticles on the biochar derived from agricultural waste exhibits high adsorption efficiencies on organic micropollutants and heavy metals. Moreover, the desorption/regeneration studies on magnetic biochar exhibited high adsorption efficiencies in several regeneration cycles as well as high adsorbent integrity. Some studies impregnated metals into biochar (e. g. Zn, La) along with Fe₃O₄ modification which greatly increased the structural stability of the magnetic biochar and showed higher adsorption capacities at higher adsorbent concentrations. A preliminary costing analysis was also done to assess the economic feasibility of magnetic biochar synthesis.

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