Adsorption Characteristics of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn from Aqueous Solutions onto Reed Biochar

Abstract

Carbon-based sorbents such as biochar and activated carbon have been proven to be cost-effective in removing pollutants containing heavy metals from wastewater. The aim of this study was using batch experiment to evaluate the adsorption characteristics of heavy metals in single-metal conditions onto reed biochar for treating wastewater containing heavy metals. The removal rates of heavy metals were in the order of Pb > Cu ≒ Cd ≒ Zn, showing the adsorption efficiency of Pb was higher than the other heavy metals. Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were used to model the equilibrium adsorption data obtained from adsorption of Pb on reed biochar. For reed biochar, the Langmuir model provided a slightly better fit than the Freundlich model. Lead was observed on the biochar surface after adsorption by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The main functional groups of reed biochar were aromatic carbons. Overall, the results suggested that reed biochar could be useful adsorbent for treating wastewater containing Pb.