Nickel and Cadmium Removal Using Pachira Aquatica Peel Biochar

Date:01 March 2024

Country: Brazil

Application

• Wastewater treatment: Effective removal of nickel and cadmium from industrial effluents.

Description

This study explores the use of biochar derived from Pachira aquatica Aubl. fruit peels (PAB) for the biosorption of Ni(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solutions. The PAB biochar exhibited favorable characteristics such as low moisture content, high fixed carbon, porosity, and a negatively charged surface, making it efficient for heavy metal removal. Kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic studies indicated the process followed a chemical adsorption mechanism. Column tests showed high removal efficiencies of 98% for Ni(II) and 99% for Cd(II), demonstrating the potential of PAB as an effective biosorbent.

 

 

Pathway Description:

The project utilized a biosorption process where biochar was produced from the peels of Pachira aquatica Aubl. through carbonization at 450°C. The biochar was then tested for its ability to adsorb nickel (Ni(II)) and cadmium (Cd(II)) ions from synthetic aqueous solutions.