Wood-based biochar for the removal of potentially toxic elements in water and wastewater: a critical review

Sabry M. Shaheen, Nabeel Khan Niazi, Noha E.E. Hassan, Irshad Bibi, Hailong Wang, Daniel C.W. Tsang, Yong Sik Ok, Nanthi Bolan, Jörg Rinklebe

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    434 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Recently, biochar has received significant attention, especially for the removal of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from water and wastewater. No review has been focused on the potential use of wood-based biochar (WB) for the removal of PTEs in water and wastewater. Here, we have critically reviewed the (i) preparation and characterisation of WB; (ii) removal efficiency of WB for PTEs in water with respect to its physicochemical characteristics, biochar/water ratio, pH, and sorption system; (iii) removal mechanisms of PTEs by WB; (iv) fate of the sorbed PTEs onto WB; and (v) recovery of the sorbed PTEs from the resultant sludge of WB. We also discussed the removal of PTEs by engineered/designer WB as compared to pristine WB. This review demonstrates the overarching scientific opportunities for a comprehensive understanding of using WB as an emerging biosorbent and a promising low-cost and effective material for the remediation of PTEs contaminated water.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)216-247
    Number of pages32
    JournalInternational Materials Reviews
    Volume64
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2019 May 19

    Bibliographical note

    Funding Information:
    The authors thank the German Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung Humboldt Foundation for financial support of the experienced researcher’s fellowships of Professor Dr Shaheen [Ref 3.4 - EGY - 1185373 - GF-E] at the University of Wup-pertal, Germany, and Dr Bibi [Ref 3.5 - PAK - 1164117 - GFHERMES-P] at the University of Bremen, Germany. Drs Niazi and Bibi are thankful to the International Foundation for Science [IFS, Sweden; W/5698], Higher Education Commission, Pakistan [Project Nos. 6425/Punjab/NRPU/ R&D/HEC/2016 and 6396/Punjab/NRPU/R&D/HEC/ 2016], Pakistan and University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan.

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2018, © 2018 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and ASM International Published by Taylor & Francis on behalf of the Institute and ASM International.

    Keywords

    • Lignocellulosic biomass
    • biosorption
    • inorganic contaminants
    • pyrolysis
    • remediation
    • wastewater

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Mechanics of Materials
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Metals and Alloys
    • Materials Chemistry

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