Seaweed-derived biochar for effective treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater

Dias, Ana Paula Soares; Santos, Francisco Ascenção; Rijo, Bruna; Simes, Dina; Pereira, Leonel; Pereira, Manuel Francisco Costa

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/27159

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Authors

Dias, Ana Paula Soares

Santos, Francisco Ascenção

Rijo, Bruna

Simes, Dina

Pereira, Leonel

Pereira, Manuel Francisco Costa

Abstract(s)

Freshwater scarcity is a growing concern, exacerbated by industrial effluents containing dyes and other pollutants that endanger aquatic ecosystems. This study explores the potential of biochar sorbents, derived from renewable seaweed biomass, as a sustainable solution for water decontamination. Seaweed biomass (sarga & ccedil;o), collected from Portuguese seashores, was carbonized at 300 degrees C and 400 degrees C to produce biochar. Adsorption experiments with methylene blue (MB) revealed that carbonization at 400 degrees C, followed by ball milling, significantly enhanced adsorption performance. Langmuir isotherm analysis demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 500 mg MB/g sorbent for the optimized biochar (400 degrees C, ball milled), with adsorption efficiency improving at elevated temperatures and pH levels up to 12. Infrared reflectance spectra of fresh and post-adsorption biochars confirmed the involvement of pi-pi interactions and hydrogen bonding in the adsorption mechanism. These findings highlight the potential of seaweed-derived biochar as an effective and eco-friendly solution for water purification.