Batch sorption experiments were performed to study the adsorption of three emerging pollutants from aqueous solutions using a magnetized Douglas fir biochar as an adsorbent. Magnetic biochar (MBC) was produced by iron oxide precipitation onto Douglas fir biochar (BC) surface using an aqueous Iron(III)/Iron(II) solution followed by NaOH treatment. Caffeine, ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid were selected as representative contaminants and both BC and MBC were used to remove the contaminants from water. The surface morphology of the modified biochar was examined by scanning electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, point of zero charge, and surface area measurements. The effects of several operational parameters, such as pH, initial concentration of the contaminant, mass of adsorbent, temperature, and contact time on the sorption behavior were evaluated. MBC suspensions in the contaminated solutions were shaken and then magnetically removed. Remediated solutions were then analyzed using UV–Visible spectroscopy. The contact time to attain equilibrium for maximum adsorption was found to be less than 5 min. The kinetic data were correlated to pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order adsorption models. The equilibrium adsorption data were analyzed using the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm equation models. The fast adsorption kinetics and high adsorption capacities demonstrate that MBC is an excellent low cost and environmentally friendly adsorbent for the removal of pharmaceuticals from contaminated water.

Rapid removal of pharmaceuticals from contaminated water using magnetized Douglas fir biochar

2019 Spring National Meeting

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