ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Effects of pyrolysis temperature on drinking water treatment residual biochar properties and organophosphorus pesticides adsorption

Cheng Shen, Zhiguo Song, Zuming Qiu, and Ruixia Gao

School of Chemistry, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China

E-mail: cheng.shen@hotmail.com

Received: 2 January 2024  Accepted: 13 April 2024

Abstract:

Drinking water treatment residual (DWTR) is an inevitable byproduct produced during the water treatment process. Despite efforts to recycle and reuse DWTR, concerns persist regarding the release of aluminum (Al) during its application. In this study, pyrolysis was employed to mitigate Al release from DWTR. The influence of pyrolysis temperature on the properties, metal release risks, and adsorption capacity for organophosphorus pesticides (specifically trichlorfon) of DWTR biochar was investigated. Results indicate that higher pyrolysis temperatures increased the aromatic content of DWTR biochar and decreased the unstable fractions of Al and Fe. Initially, the specific surface area of DWTR biochar increased, but then decreased with rising pyrolysis temperature. Pyrolysis led to a reduction in Al release risk, meeting drinking water standards, as elevated temperatures transformed unstable Al forms into more stable ones. DWTR biochar demonstrated effective adsorption of trichlorfon, albeit decreasing with higher temperatures. Chemical adsorption dominated, facilitated by active surface functional groups. This research underscores the potential of eco-friendly and cost-effective waste management strategies for DWTR utilization.

Keywords: Drinking water; Water sludge; Trichlorfon; Al release; Biochar

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-024-03466-7

Chemical Papers 78 (9) 5289–5299 (2024)