Application of iron-modified biochar for arsenite removal and toxicity reduction

Abstract

In the present study, the Miscanthus biochar was modified with amorphous iron (hydr)oxide to remove arsenite. The kinetic study indicated the chemical adsorption of arsenite on the iron-modified biochar. Additionally, the iron-modified biochar exhibited similar or higher adsorption of arsenite (56.06 and 47.90 mg/g Fe for powder and beads, respectively) than previously reported composites. Moreover, the leached arsenite concentration from both the adsorbents was less than 2.02 mg/L, which was not acutely toxic to Daphnia magna. Considering that it is not easy and safe to use adsorbents in powder form, the iron-modified biochar beads can be a promising adsorbent. (C) 2019 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.