Efficiency of pecan shells and sawdust biochar on Pb and Cu adsorption

Abstract

In the present study, two different by-products, pecan shells, and sawdust obtained from the region of Chania, Crete, Greece, were subjected to slow pyrolysis over a temperature range of 250–550°C, for the production of biochar. The quality of the produced biochars was assessed by evaluating their main properties, namely pyrolysis yield, pH, volatile matter and char content, surface area, and C, H, S, N content. Thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were used for the identification of the morphology and structure of the produced biochars. The potential of selected pecan shells and sawdust biochars to adsorb Pb and Cu from synthetic solutions was also assessed.

Keywords:

• Biochar
• Pyrolysis
• Morphology
• Structure
• Adsorption

Acknowledgments

This research has been co-funded by the European Union (European Social Fund) and Greek National Resources through the Operational Program “Education and Lifelong Learning” of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF)—Research Funding Program: THALES, Sub-project “Development of an integrated methodology for the management, treatment and valorisation of hazardous waste (WasteVal)” (code MIS 380038). Investing in knowledge society through the European Social Fund.