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Cadmium contamination in croplands is recognized one of the major threat, seriously affecting soil health and sustainable agriculture around the globe. Cd mobility in wastewater irrigated soils can be curtailed through eco-friendly and cost effective organic soil amendments (biochars) that eventually minimizes its translocation from soil to plant. This study explored the possible effects of various types of plants straw biochar as soil amendments on cadmium (Cd) phytoavailability in wastewater degraded soil and its subsequent accumulation in sunflower tissues. The studied biochars including rice straw (RS), wheat straw (WS), acacia (AC) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) to wastewater irrigated soil containing Cd. Sunflower plant was grown as a test plant and Cd accumulation was recorded in its tissues, antioxidant enzymatic activity chlorophyll contents, plant biomass, yield and soil properties (pH, NPK, OM and Soluble Cd) were also examined. Results revealed that addition of biochar significantly minimized Cd mobility in soil by 53.4%, 44%, 41% and 36% when RS, WS, AC and SB were added at 2% over control. Comparing the control soil, biochar amended soil effectively reduced Cd uptake via plants shoots by 71.7%, 60.6%, 59% and 36.6%, when RS, WS, AC and SB. Among all the biochar, rice husk induced biochar significantly reduced oxidative stress and reduced SOD, POD and CAT activity by 49%, 40.5% and 46.5% respectively over control. In addition, NPK were significantly increased among all the added biochars in soil–plant system as well as improved chlorophyll contents relative to non-bioachar amended soil. Thus, among all the amendments, rice husk and wheat straw biochar performed well and might be considered the suitable approach for sunflower growth in polluted soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cr 6+ and Pb 2+ are both highly toxic pollutants and commonly co-exist in some industrial effluents and contaminated waters. In this study, simultaneous removal of Cr 6+ and Pb 2+ by a novel sewage sludge-derived biochar immobilized nanoscale zero-valent iron (SSB-nZVI) was systematically investigated. It was well demonstrated that a porous structure was successfully formed on the SSB-nZVI when the starch was used as an additive. A synergistic effect on the adsorption and reduction over the SSB-nZVI was achieved, resulting in nearly 90 and 82% of Cr 6+ and Pb 2+ removal within 30 min, respectively. Cr 6+ was reduced prior to Pb 2+ . A low pH could accelerate the corrosion of nZVI as well as phosphate leaching. When Malachite green was added as a coexisting organic pollutant, its effective removal was found due to the formation of a Fenton-like system. The SSB-nZVI could be run consecutively three times with a relatively satisfactory performance. Most of Cr 6+ was converted into Cr 2 O 3 and Cr(OH) 3 on the SSB-nZVI surface, whereas most of Pb 2+ species existed as Pb(OH) 2 (or PbO). A possible reaction mechanism on the SSB-nZVI involved the adsorption, reduction and precipitation of both Cr 6+ and Pb 2+ over the particles. Present study sheds light on the insight of the fate and transport of Cr 6+ and Pb 2+ in aquatic environment, as well provides helpful guide for the remediation of coexistence of pollutants in real applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel biochar-supported zero valent iron (BC-nZVI) was synthesized through a green method. A high performance on the simultaneous removal of Cu 2+ and bisphenol A (BPA) by a combination of BC-nZVI with persulfate (BC-nZVI/PS) system was successfully achieved. The simultaneous efficiencies of Cu 2+ and BPA could reach 96 and 98% within 60 min, respectively. Both HO• and SO 4 •− were two major reactive species in BC-nZVI/PS system, and SO 4 •− was primary radical responsible for the degradation of BPA. Four kinds of Cu species, such as Cu(OH) 2 , CuO, Cu 2 O and Cu 0 were generated via the adsorption and reduction of the BC-nZVI, whereas six kinds of products of BPA including p-isopropenyl phenol and 4-isopropylphenol were generated via the combined oxidation of SO 4 •− and HO•. The possible reaction mechanism for the simultaneous removal of Cu 2+ and BPA by BC-nZVI/PS system contained a synergistic effect between the reduction of Cu 2+ and the oxidation of BPA. This is the first report on the feasibility of the remediation of coexistence of heavy metal and organic compound in aquatic environment using the BC-nZVI/PS system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, a great increasing attention has been paid to the coexistence of multiple inorganic pollutants in the environment. In this study, a novel crayfish shell biochar-Fe composite (FXB) was successfully produced and effectively used for the synchronous removal of Cr(VI) and phosphates (P) from aqueous solution. Experimental results revealed that FXB exhibited a high performance on the removal of Cr(VI) and P over a broader pH range. The escalating ionic strength and anions like Cl- and NO 3 - showed varying degrees of inhibition effects on Cr(VI) and P removal. The kinetic model of both Cr(VI) and P adsorption fit better with the pseudo-second-order model compared with the pseudo-first-order model. The isotherm of Cr(VI) fit well with the Langmuir model, whereas that of P adsorption fit well with the Freundlich model. Elovich model suggests that both Cr(VI) and P adsorption were the heterogeneous and multi-mechanism processes, and the intra-particle diffusion model confirms that these adsorption processes were dominated by surface and intra-particle diffusion reactions. Both Cr(VI) and P adsorption onto FXB were the spontaneous and endothermic nature. The synchronous removal of Cr(VI) and P could be efficiently achieved using this FXB composite under the certain conditions. A possible reaction mechanism for the synchronous adsorption of Cr(VI) and P onto FXB involving the synergistic effects of surface adsorption, precipitation, reduction and complexation processes was proposed. [Display omitted] • A novel crayfish shell biochar-Fe composite (FXB) was successfully obtained. • FXB exhibited the high Cr(VI) and P adsorption capacities at wide pH values. • Both Cr(VI) and P adsorption onto FXB were the spontaneous and endothermic nature. • The synchronous removal of Cr(VI) and P could be efficiently achieved with FXB. • The mechanism for the synchronous adsorption of Cr(VI) and P was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A synergistic effect between BC/PMS and nZVI/PMS processes has been achieved. • ATZ removal of BC-nZVI/PMS was higher than that of BC-nZVI/H 2 O 2 or BC-nZVI/PS. • SO 4 − was the predominant radical species responsible for ATZ degradation. • ATZ was degraded through de-alkylation, dechlorination and hydroxylation processes. • A reaction mechanism of PMS activation by BC-nZVI for ATZ degradation was proposed. Over the past decade, herbicides contaminated soil poses a serious threat to humans and environment. In this study, a novel biochar supported zero valent iron (BC-nZVI) was used as a heterogeneous catalyst activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the removal of herbicide atrazine (ATZ) from soil. The results revealed that the removal of ATZ by BC-nZVI/PMS process was superior to that of BC/PMS or nZVI/PMS process. A synergistic effect between BC/PMS and nZVI/PMS processes has been successfully achieved in BC-nZVI/PMS process, and nearly 96% of ATZ removal was obtained at optimum reaction conditions. BC-nZVI/PMS process exhibited an excellent performace on ATZ removal compared with BC-nZVI/H 2 O 2 or BC-nZVI/persulfate (PS) process. PMS decomposition by BC-nZVI/PMS process was higher than the sum of BC/PMS and nZVI/PMS processes. A low Cu concentration accelerated ATZ removal, and Cu was also effectively immobilized. SO 4 − was the predominant reactive oxygen species responsible for ATZ degradation, and OH and 1O 2 also took part in reaction. Four kinds of ATZ degradation products were identified, and ATZ degradation could be achieved through de-alkylation, dechlorination and hydroxylation processes. A reaction mechanism of PMS activation by BC-nZVI was proposed based on the synergistic effect of BC and nZVI. In addition to ATZ, coexisting pollutants such as 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), Cu and Cd were also simultaneously removed from soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicability of sludge biochar catalyst (SBC) coupling with ultrasound (US) irradiation for the simultaneous removal of Pb(II) and phenol was firstly investigated in this study. Results indicate that Pb(II) removal of SBC/US process was superior to that of SBC without US. The inhibitory order of the coexisting anions on Pb(II) removal was PO 4 3− > HCO 3 − > NO 3 − > F− > SO 4 2− > Cl−. Also, several coexisting metals ions inculding Cr(VI), Ni(II) and Cu(II) could be removed in a simultaneous manner with Pb(II). A high removal performance of Pb(II) by SBC/US process and its synergism with phenol oxidation had been successfully achieved. The simultaneous removal efficiencies of Pb(II) and phenol were high up to 95% within 60 min at optimum reaction conditions. Four kinds of Pb species inculding Pb0, PbCO 3 , PbO and Pb(OH) 2 were formed during the reaction, whereas five kinds of transformation compounds of phenol such as 1,4-benzoquinone, acetic acid, formic acid, maleic acid and propionic acid were detected. Both HO and O 2 − contributed to the oxidation of phenol by SBC/US process, but HO was dominant radical. A reaction mechanism for the synergistic removal of Pb(II) and phenol by SBC/US process involving in four stages-namely adsorption, precipitation, reduction and Fenton-like oxidation processes was proposed. This study demonstrates that SBC/US process could be considered as a potential candidate for the remediation of real wastewaters containing Pb(II) and phenol. Image 1 • Pb(II) removal of SBC/US process was superior to that of SBC. • High removal performance of Pb(II) and phenol had achieved in SBC/US process. • HO was dominant radical responsible for the degradation of phenol. • Transformation products of Pb(II) and phenol after reaction were identified. • A mechanism for the simultaneous removal of Pb(II) and phenol was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Oxalic acid (OA) maintain a high dissolved Fe2+ in the PC-ZVI/PMS process. • Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) greatly improve atrazine (AE) removal. • The contribution order of reactive species followed as HO• > SO 4 •- greater than1O 2 > O 2 •−. • The possible degradation pathways of AE by PC-ZVI/PMS/OA process proposed. • Enhanced mechanism of Cr6+ and AE removal by PC-ZVI/PMS/OA process was proposed. Nowadays, clean-up of heavy metals and pesticides from environment has received great attention. A green biochar iron composite (PC-ZVI) was successfully synthesized using pomelo peel residues and FeCl 3 solution. Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was introduced into the PC-ZVI system for Cr(VI) and atrazine (AE) removal, and results showed that PMS greatly promoted Cr(VI) and AE removal. The presence of oxalic acid (OA) could maintain a relatively high dissolved Fe2+ species for Cr(VI) reduction and AE oxidation in the PC-ZVI/PMS process. The contribution order of reactive oxygen species followed as HO• > SO 4 •- greater than1O 2 > O 2 •− in both Cr(VI) and AE removal by PC-ZVI/PMS/OA process. A total of six intermediates products of AE degradation were detected, and AE molecular was effectively degraded into CO 2 , H 2 O, inorganic N and Cl through hydroxylation, substitution and de-alkylation processes. The underlying mechanism of Cr(VI) and AE removal by PC-ZVI/PMS/OA process was also proposed. Most Cr(VI) species were transformed into Cr 2 O 3 and Cr(OH) 3 through reduction and precipitation processes. PC-ZVI has a relatively high recyclability toward both Cr(VI) and AE removal from solutions. The potential toxicity of PC-ZVI solution was small at three PC-ZVI dosages levels, and the corresponding toxicity of AE reaction solution by PC-ZVI/PMS/OA process decreased as reaction time increased. The order of both Cr(VI) and AE removal in different water systems was tap water > river water > lake water > wastewater, and this PC-ZVI/PMS/OA process exhibited the better adaptability in application for several actual water environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new biochar-based magnesium oxide composite (MTBC) was firstly prepared. • TDF adsorption was well described by pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models. • Chemical adsorption process was dominant in TDF adsorption over MTBC. • Simultaneous removals of TDF and DIN has been achieved by MTBC. • A reaction mechanism of TDF and DIN adsorption by MTBC was proposed. In recent years, the ecological security has been seriously threatened by the residues of pesticides in the environment. In this study, a new biochar-based magnesium oxide composite (MTBC) was successfully prepared using Traditional Chinese Medicine residues and MgCl 2 solution, and then applied for the removal of triadimefon (TDF) and/or dinotefuran (DIN) in water. Batch experiments results indicated that 86.42 and 87.86 % of TDF and DIN removals could be obtained by MTBC within 120 min, respectively. The TDF adsorption process was proved to be well fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic, Elovich, liquid film diffusion, Intra-particle diffusion and Langmuir isothermal models. The TDF adsorption by MTBC was a spontaneous endothermic reaction, and chemical adsorption process was dominant. The inhibitory of the coexisting anions on TDF removal followed the order of SO 4 2−＜Cl−＜HPO 4 3−＜HCO 3 –. Both TDF and DIN could be simultaneously removed by MTBC at the certain concentrations levels. The possible removal mechanism for the adsorption of TDF and DIN by MTBC was proposed, both TDF and DIN were rapidly distributed and adsorbed on MTBC surface, then diffused into the interior pores structure and were finally adsorbed on MTBC through various reaction processes. The TDF removal process might be involved with hydrogen bonding, π-π interaction, pore filling and electrostatic interaction, while DIN removal might be involved with hydrogen bonding, pore filling and electrostatic interaction. These findings suggested that biochar-based magnesium oxide composite was an effective adsorbent for the remediation of agricultural effluents containing TDF and DIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Immobilization of metals by BC-nZVI process was superior to that of BC or nZVI. • Immobilization of Cd or Pb was inhibited with addition of 2,4-dichlorophenol. • Cd and Pb availability decreased, whereas soil pH and organic matter increased. • Stable metals speices such as CdCO 3 , Cd(OH) 2 , PbCO 3 and Pb(OH) 2 were formed. • Mechanism for the simultaneous immobilization of Cd and Pb in soil was proposed. Risk associated with heavy metals in soil has been received widespread attention. In this study, a porous biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (BC-nZVI) was applied to immobilize cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in clayey soil. Experiment results indicated that the immobilization of Cd or Pb by BC-nZVI process was better than that of BC or nZVI process, and about 80% of heavy metals immobilization was obtained in BC-nZVI process. Addition of BC-nZVI could increase soil pH and organic matter (SOM). Cd or Pb immobilization was inhibited with coexisting organic compound 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), but 2,4-DCP could be removed in a simultaneous manner with Cd or Pb immobilization at low concentration levels. Simultaneous immobilization of Cd and Pb was achieved in BC-nZVI process, and both Cd and Pb availability significantly decreased. Stable Cd species inculding Cd(OH) 2 , CdCO 3 and CdO were formed, whereas stable Pb species such as PbCO 3 , PbO and Pb(OH) 2 were produced with BC-nZVI treatment. Simultaneous immobilization mechanism of Cd and Pb in soil by BC-nZVI was thereby proposed. This study well demonstrates that BC-nZVI has been emerged as a potential technology for the remediation of multiple heavy metals in soil. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Nowadays, the harm of antibiotics residues in environments to human health and ecological safety has been causing more and more attention. In this paper, a biochar based iron material (MBC) was used to activate persulfate (PS) for the removal of sulfadiazine (SDZ) from aqueous solution. Experiment results indicate that the degradation and mineralization of SDZ by MBC/PS system reached 91.79% and 60% within 60 min under the optimal reaction conditions, respectively. MBC/PS system exhibited a better performance on SDZ removal compared with MBC/H 2 O 2 system. The addition of Cu2+ ion could enhance the degradation of SDZ by MBC/PS system. PO 4 3-, Cl- and SO 4 2- had a certain degree of inhibitory effect on the SDZ degradation. Both radicals and non-radical species such as SO 4 •-, •OH and 1O 2 participated in the degradation reaction of SDZ by MBC/PS system, but •OH was the main radical species responsible for SDZ degradation. The liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) technique was used to identify the intermediate products of SDZ, and it was proposed that the degradation of SDZ might be achieved through hydrolyzation, hydroxylation, deamination and amino-oxidization processes. A possible reaction mechanism involving a synergistic effect between PS homogeneous and heterogeneous activation processes as well as both radicals and non-radicals reactions was finally proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the residual heavy metals and antibiotics in water and soil have a potential threat to human being health, thereby their purification is of great importance. In this study, the application of Cr6+ and chlortetracycline (CTC) removal using a new fruit peel based biochar composite (FPBC) had been explored. Batch experiments results showed that FPBC presented excellent removal performance on Cr6+ and CTC, and the simultaneous removal efficiencies of Cr6+ and CTC were 97% and 81% within 180 min, respectively. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of Cr6+ by FPBC could be well described by the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively, and its adsorption was a spontaneous endothermic process. The inhibitory of the coexisting anions on Cr6+ removal of followed the order of HPO 4 3-> HCO 3 -> SO 4 2->NO 3 -> Cl-. The simultaneous removal of Cr6+ and CTC by FPBC had been achieved at low CTC content levels. The presence of NaCl showed a significant inhibitory on Cr6+ removal but a positive effect on CTC removal at low content level. A potential reaction mechanism of both Cr6+ and CTC removal over FPBC was proposed on the basic of the comprehensive characterizations and adsorption performance. Both reduction and surface precipitation reactions might be dominant in Cr6+ removal process, whereas both complexation and hydrogen bond interaction might be mainly responsible for CTC removal. These findings suggested that this fruit peel based biochar composite might be a promising material for the remediation of Cr6+ and CTC-contaminated wastewater. [Display omitted] • A new fruit peel based biochar composite (FPBC) was firstly synthesized. • Cr6+ adsorption was well described by pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models. • NaCl showed an inhibitory on Cr6+ removal but a positive effect on CTC removal. • FPBC presented a high simultaneous removal of Cr6+ and CTC. • A potential mechanism for Cr6+ and CTC removal over FPBC was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a large number of agricultural wastes have been extensively converted into biochar based materials, these biochar materials have been popularly employed in the removal of various pollutants from environment. Herein, a novel pigeon waste based biochar composite (FeBC) was firstly synthesized and applied for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and p-nitrophenol (PNP) adsorption in water. The most relevant findings showed that FeBC exhibited a superior performance on Cr(VI) and PNP adsorption compared with pristine biochar. The Cr(VI) monolayer adsorption onto FeBC might be dominant, and Cr(VI) adsorption by FeBC was an endothermic process. Both Cr(VI) and PNP adsorption behavior were well fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, Elovich, intra-particle diffusion (IPD), liquid film diffusion kinetic (LFD) and chemical reaction models. Both the pathway of PNP degradation and mechanism for Cr(VI) and PNP adsorption over FeBC were proposed. Almost half of Cr(VI) was reduced into Cr 2 O 3 and Cr(OH) 3 , both reduction and precipitation reactions might be dominant in Cr(VI) adsorption. O 2 •−, 1 O 2 and •OH were involved in PNP removal reaction, but the contribution of •OH was small. The oxidation, π-π interaction and hydrogen bonds interactions might be involved in this PNP removal process, and PNP was oxidized to form several intermediates via hydroxylation and ring cleavage reactions. This study could provide a novel treatment strategy for the simultaneous decontamination of effluents combined with heavy metals and organic compounds in realistic remediation application. [Display omitted] • A novel pigeon waste based biochar composite (FeBC) was firstly synthesized. • Almost half of Cr(VI) species were reduced into Cr 2 O 3 and Cr(OH) 3. • O 2 •−, 1 O 2 and •OH were involved in p-nitrophenol removal reaction. • Both Cr(VI) and p-nitrophenol removal were successfully achieved by FeBC. • A mechanism for the removal of Cr(VI) and p-nitrophenol was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollution of heavy metals and organic compounds has received increased attention in recent years. In the current study, a novel biochar-based iron oxide composite (FeYBC) was successfully synthesized using pomelo peel and ferric chloride solution through one-step process at moderate temperature. Results clearly demonstrate that FeYBC exhibited more efficient removal of Cr(VI) and/or phenol compared with the pristine biochar, and the maximum adsorption amounts of Cr(VI) and phenol by FeYBC could reach 24.37 and 39.32 mg g−1, respectively. A series of characterization data suggests that several iron oxides such as Fe 2 O 3 , Fe0, FeOOH and Fe 3 O 4 were formed on the FeYBC surface as well as oxygen-containing groups. Thermodynamics study indicates that Cr(VI) and phenol adsorption by FeYBC were endothermic and exothermic processes, respectively. Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo-second order models could better explain the Cr(VI) and phenol adsorption behaviors over FeYBC. The Cr(VI) adsorption might be primarily achieved through the ion exchange and surface complexation and reduction, whereas the π–π interaction and electron donor–acceptor complex mainly contributed to phenol adsorption. The findings indicate that the biochar-based iron oxide composites material was an efficient adsorbent for the remediation of industrial effluents containing Cr(VI) and phenol. [Display omitted] • A novel biochar-based iron oxide composite (FeYBC) was firstly synthesized. • FeYBC exhibited more efficient Cr(VI) and phenol removal than pristine biochar. • Langmuir and pseudo second order models well explain Cr(VI) and phenol adsorption. • Cr(VI) and phenol adsorption were endothermic and exothermic nature, respectively. • The possible removal mechanism of both Cr(VI) and phenol adsorption was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]