Adsorption of Lead (Pb) in Water Using Biochar & Biochar-Alginate Composite Beads

Abstract

The current study investigates whether biochar and biochar-alginate composite (BAC), spiked with lead (Pb2+), has the potential to be released into soil. The study assesses the sorption capacity and kinetics of Pb2+ between 5 to 94 mg L-1 in water using biochar & BAC as adsorbents; the portion of Pb2+ desorbed and released from the soil when spiked at 0, 10, and 100 mg L-1; and the impact Pb2+ spiked adsorbents has on the microbial respiration of soil. Langmuir demonstrated a better fit for biochar and BAC with a maximum sorption capacity of 15.9 and 23.1 ug g-1, respectively. A maximum of 1.85 and 1.15 ug L-1 of Pb2+ leached from the soil with spiked biochar and BAC, respectively, which remains below the acceptable Pb2+ limits in soil. Furthermore, non-spiked and Pb2+ spiked adsorbents, in the short-term, increases CO2-C production when applied to soil. As time passes, microbial respiration decreases.