Highly effective fish scale–based biochar as a recyclable and green material for toxic cadmium ion bioremoval from liquid phase

• Published in: Biomass conversion and biorefinery 2024-02, Vol.14 (4), p.4869-4882
• Main Authors: Akar, Tamer, Karadağ Atılgan, Melda, Celik, Sema, Sayin, Fatih, Tunali Akar, Sibel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biotechnology; Energy; Original Article; Renewable and Green Energy
• ISSN: 2190-6815; 2190-6823
• DOI: 10.1007/s13399-022-02672-1

Due to their environmental friendliness, strong remediation capabilities, and low cost, biochar sorbents have garnered considerable attention recently. In the current study, the effectiveness of fish scale biochar (FSBC) as an alternative material in eliminating toxic cadmium (Cd 2+ ) ions from contaminated water was examined using batch and fixed-bed experiments for the first time. The impact of major design parameters on biosorption performance, such as solution pH, contact time, biochar quantity, and flow rate was investigated. The pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models were the best models for the biosorption process. Maximum monolayer uptake capacity and removal efficiency in batch mode were determined to be 99.14 mg g −1 and 95.40%, respectively. Under dynamic flow conditions, the proposed biochar also demonstrated a high Cd 2+ removal efficiency (99.02%). Consecutive biosorption/desorption potential was evaluated via an EDTA elution to determine the suitability of the FSBC for long-term utilization. After ten cycles, the final biosorption and recovery efficiencies of FSBC were higher than 78 and 99%, respectively. According to FTIR analyses, the –NH, –OH, and carboxyl groups were the major functional sites for Cd 2+ ion binding. EDX findings confirm the SEM examination, revealing that FSBC removes the Cd 2+  ions effectively. FSBC demonstrates a good ability to remove Cd 2+ ions even from the real effluent sample. As a result, a recyclable, low-cost, and effective biochar for the treatment of Cd 2+ contamination has been revealed.