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Removal of Arsenic by Wheat Straw Biochar from Soil

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Abstract

Biochar prepared from wheat straw (Triticum aestivum) at different pyrolysis temperatures was screened, followed by its application to soil for arsenic removal in the present study. Characterization of biochar by Field emission scanning electron microscope studies and Fourier thermal Infrared imaging showed smooth and porous biochar surface and abundance of surface functional groups. A low value of H/C was obtained by CHNS analyzer, indicating high stability of biochar. The surface area was 15.86 m2/g on an average. Batch sorption experiments were carried out to optimize conditions for arsenic sorption. Maximum arsenic removal of 83.7% was obtained when applied at a 7.5% dose for a contact time of 60 min at 25 °C. Isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies revealed the feasibility of sorption and removal of arsenic through physisorption, chemisorption, ion exchange, and diffusion.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Central Instrumentation Facility and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, BIT Mesra for sample analysis. One of the authors (Abhishek Kumar) is grateful to the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, for providing NET-JRF Fellowship [Ref. No. - 3635/(OBC)(NET-DEC.2015)].

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  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835215, India

    Abhishek Kumar & Tanushree Bhattacharya

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  1. Abhishek Kumar
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  2. Tanushree Bhattacharya
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Correspondence to Tanushree Bhattacharya.

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Kumar, A., Bhattacharya, T. Removal of Arsenic by Wheat Straw Biochar from Soil. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 108, 415–422 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-020-03095-2

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