Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Preparation and study of straw porous biochar with aromatic ring structure for adsorption performance and mechanism toward TNT red water

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) production processes generate a substantial amount of toxic wastewater. Therefore, it is crucial to identify efficient and sustainable methods for treating this wastewater. This paper explores the application of sustainable biomass-derived carbon produced from rice straw for the adsorption of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) red water. The rice straw–derived biochar (SBC) materials were synthesized by two-step reactions through hydrothermal carbonization and chemical activation with KOH. Characterization of the fabricated biochar was conducted using various techniques. Here, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was used as an evaluation index for adsorption efficiency. The adsorption kinetics showed a good fit with the pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption equilibrium was achieved in 30 min. The biochar’s high surface area (1319 m2/g) and large pore volume (1.058 cm3/g) gave it a large adsorption capacity. The Langmuir model exhibited better correlation for equilibrium data analysis, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 173.9 mg/g at 298 K. The SBC was found to have a high removal effect over a wide pH range (from 1 to 13) and showed remarkable stability after undergoing five desorption-adsorption cycles using ethanol and acetone as eluent. The results provide a simple and low-cost method for the efficient treatment of TNT red water.

Graphical abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Acharya P (1997) Process challenges and evaluation of bed agglomeration in a circulating bed combustion system incinerating red water. Environ Prog 16(1):54–64

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad M, Lee S, Dou X, Mohan D, Sung J, Yang J et al (2012) Effects of pyrolysis temperature on soybean stover- and peanut shell-derived biochar properties and TCE adsorption in water. Bioresour Technol 118:536–544

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ayoub K, van Hullebusch E, Cassir M, Bermond A (2010) Application of advanced oxidation processes for TNT removal: a review. J Hazard Mater 178(1-3):10–28

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bernasconi C (1971) Kinetic and spectral study of some reactions of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in basic solution. I. Deprotonation and Janovsky complex formation. J Org Chem 36(12):1671-+

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bhanot P, Celin S, Sreekrishnan T, Kalsi A, Sharma P (2020) Application of integrated treatment strategies for explosive industry wastewater—a critical review. J Water Process Eng 35:14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bui D, Minh T (2020) Investigation of TNT red wastewater treatment technology using the combination of advanced oxidation processes. Sci Total Environ. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143852

  • Chatterjee S, Deb U, Datta S, Walther C, Gupta D (2017) Common explosives (TNT, RDX, HMX) and their fate in the environment: emphasizing bioremediation. Chemosphere 184:438–451

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dan F, Zhang Y, Lv F, Chu P, Shang J (2012) Removal of organic materials from TNT red water by bamboo charcoal adsorption. Chem Eng J 193-194(none):39–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Dasary S, Singh A, Senapati D, Yu H, Ray P (2009) Gold nanoparticle based label-free SERS probe for ultrasensitive and selective detection of trinitrotoluene. J Am Chem Soc 131(38):13806–13812

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Deng H, Zhang Y, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Huo J, Zhang L et al (2020) A simple approach to prepare isoxazoline-based porous polymer for the highly effective adsorption of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT): catalyst-free click polymerization between an in situ generated nitrile oxide with polybutadiene. Chem Eng J 393:10

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Esteve-Nunez A, Caballero A, Ramos J (2001) Biological degradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 65(3):335–352

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gumuscu B, Tekinay T (2013) Effective biodegradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene using a novel bacterial strain isolated from TNT-contaminated soil. Int Biodeterior Biodegradation 85(7):35–41

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guo X, Wang J (2019) A general kinetic model for adsorption: theoretical analysis and modeling. J Mol Liq 288:8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heo J, Yoon Y, Lee G, Kim Y, Han J, Park C (2019) Enhanced adsorption of bisphenol A and sulfamethoxazole by a novel magnetic CuZnFe2O4-biochar composite. Bioresour Technol 281:179–187

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hu P, Zhang Y, Lv F, Wang X, Tong W, Meng Z et al (2017) Reduction in chemical oxygen demand of TNT red water using layered double hydroxide prepared from red mud and brucite. Environ Eng Sci 34(10):721–730

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Inyang M, Dickenson E (2015) The potential role of biochar in the removal of organic and microbial contaminants from potable and reuse water: a review. Chemosphere 134(sep.):232–240

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang N, Zhao Q, Xue Y, Xu W, Ye Z (2018) Removal of dinitrotoluene sulfonate from explosive wastewater by electrochemical method using Ti/IrO2 as electrode. J Clean Prod 188:732–740

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kearns J, Wellborn L, Summers R, Knappe D (2014) 2,4-D adsorption to biochars: effect of preparation conditions on equilibrium adsorption capacity and comparison with commercial activated carbon literature data. Water Res 62:20–28

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kisiela-Czajka AM, Dziejarski B (2021) Linear and non-linear regression analysis for the adsorption kinetics of so2 in a fixed carbon bed reactor – a case study. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15020633

  • Liu WJ, Jiang H, Yu H Q (2015) Development of biochar-based functional materials: Toward a sustainable platform carbon material [J]. Chem Rev 12251. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00195

  • Luan M, Jing G, Piao Y, Liu D, Jin L (2017) Treatment of refractory organic pollutants in industrial wastewater by wet air oxidation. Arab J Chem 10:S769–S776

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lyu H, Zhang Q, Shen B (2020) Application of biochar and its composites in catalysis. Chemosphere 240(Feb.):124842.1–124842.11

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma Z, Liu F, Liu N, Liu W, Tong M (2021) Facile synthesis of sulfhydryl modified covalent organic frameworks for high efficient Hg(II) removal from water. J Hazard Mater 405:7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Markandeya SPS, Kisku GC (2015) Linear and non-linear kinetic modeling for adsorption of disperse dye in batch process. Res J Environ Toxicol 9:320–331

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meng Q, Zhao Q, Xu Z, Tong W, Ye Z (2012) Removal of nitro aromatic compounds from 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene red water using 1,2-ethanediamine modified macroporous polystyrene microspheres. Acta Hydrochim Hydrobiol 40(8):823–829

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mercimek HA, Dincer S, Guzeldag G, et al (2015) Degradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene by P. aeruginosa and characterization of some metabolites[J]. Braz J Microbiol 46(1). https://doi.org/10.1590/S1517-838246120140026

  • Mohan D, Sarswat A, Ok Y, Pittman C (2014) Organic and inorganic contaminants removal from water with biochar, a renewable, low cost and sustainable adsorbent--a critical review. Bioresour Technol 160(5):191–202

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mukome F, Zhang X, Silva L, Six J, Parikh S (2013) Use of chemical and physical characteristics to investigate trends in biochar feedstocks. J Agric Food Chem 61(9):2196–2204

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pignatello J, Kwon S, Lu Y (2006) Effect of natural organic substances on the surface and adsorptive properties of environmental black carbon (char): attenuation of surface activity by humic and fulvic acids. Environ Sci Technol 40(24):7757–7763

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pouretedal H, Damiri S, Alikhasti M, Mahmoodi H (2016a) Treatment of TNT redwater by chemical-modified carbon adsorbent prepared from cheap raw materials of pine tree wood. Desalin Water Treat 57(45):21294–21303

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pouretedal HR, Shevidi O, Nasiri M et al (2016b) Red water treatment by photodegradation process in presence of modified TiO2 nanoparticles and validation of treatment efficiency by MLR technique[J]. J Iran Chem Soc. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13738-016-0945-4

  • Prak D (2007) Solubilization of nitrotoluenes in micellar nonionic surfactant solutions. Chemosphere 68(10):1961–1967

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Renan V, Masini JC (2023) Nonlinear regression for treating adsorption isotherm data to characterize new sorbents: advantages over linearization demonstrated with simulated and experimental data. Heliyon (4). https://doi.org/10.1016/J.HELIYON.2023.E15128

  • Rodgers J, Bunce N (2001) Treatment methods for the remediation of nitroaromatic explosives. Water Res 35(9):0–2111

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma R, Wooten J, Baliga V, Lin X, Chan W, Hajaligol M (2004) Characterization of chars from pyrolysis of lignin. Fuel 83(11-12):1469–1482

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Snellinx Z, Nepovím A, Taghavi S, Vangronsveld J, Lelie D (2002) Biological remediation of explosives and related nitroaromatic compounds. Environ Sci Pollut Res 9(1):48–61

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tan X, Liu Y, Zeng G, Wang X, Hu X, Gu Y et al (2015) Application of biochar for the removal of pollutants from aqueous solutions. Chemosphere 125:70–85

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tu S, Lv F, Hu P, Meng Z, Ran H, Zhang Y (2015) Preparation of amine-modified silica foams and their adsorption behaviors toward TNT red water[J]. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2015.05.047

  • Wang J, Guo X (2020) Adsorption kinetic models: physical meanings, applications, and solving methods. J Hazard Mater 390:18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Z, Ye Z, Wang C, Mou J, Jiao H, Shen Z (2008) TNT red water treatment with vacuum distillation coupling in immobilized microorganism process. China Environ Sci 28(10):883–887

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wu W, Yang M, Feng Q, McGrouther K, Wang H, Lu H et al (2012) Chemical characterization of rice straw-derived biochar for soil amendment. Biomass Bioenergy 47:268–276

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang J, Lin X, Luo X, Chi Z, Zhu H (2011a) A modified lignin adsorbent for the removal of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. Chem Eng J 168(3):1055–1063

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang P, Sun H, Yu L, Sun T (2013) Adsorption and catalytic hydrolysis of carbaryl and atrazine on pig manure-derived biochars: impact of structural properties of biochars. J Hazard Mater 244:217–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang M, Zhao Q, Ye Z (2011b) Organic pollutants removal from 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) red water using low cost activated coke. J Environ Sci (China) 23(12):1962–1969

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang X, Zhang P, Yuan X, Li Y, Han L (2020) Effect of pyrolysis temperature and correlation analysis on the yield and physicochemical properties of crop residue biochar. Bioresour Technol 296:8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Wei F, Jing X, Lv F, Chu P (2012) Adsorption behavior and removal of organic materials from TNT red water by lignite activated carbon. J Residuals Sci Technol 9(3):121–129

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao Q, Gao Y, Ye Z (2013) Reduction of COD in TNT red water through adsorption on macroporous polystyrene resin RS 50B. Vacuum 95(Complete):71–75

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao Q, Ye Z, Zhang M (2010) Treatment of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) red water by vacuum distillation. Chemosphere 80(8):947–950

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu Q, Zhang Y, Lv F, Chu P, Ye Z, Zhou F (2012) Cuprous oxide created on sepiolite: preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic activity in treatment of red water from 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene manufacturing. J Hazard Mater 217-218(May 30):11–18

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported financially by the Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China

    Nengsheng Liu, Jiangzhou Qin, Xinrui Ge, Yanyu Lu, Jihan Zhang, Quanlin Zhao & Zhengfang Ye

Authors
  1. Nengsheng Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jiangzhou Qin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Xinrui Ge
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yanyu Lu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jihan Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Quanlin Zhao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Zhengfang Ye
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Nengsheng Liu and Zhengfang Ye conceived the concept and drafted the original version of the manuscript. Nengsheng Liu and Jiangzhou Qin performed the synthesis, characterization, and adsorption studies. Xinrui Ge, Yanyu Lu, and Jihan Zhang carried out the data processing. Quanlin Zhao contributed to the article revision. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zhengfang Ye.

Ethics declarations

Ethical approval

Not applicable.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Tito Roberto Cadaval Jr

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary information

ESM 1

Additional information, including 3 texts, 4 tables, and 9 figures, could be found in the Supporting information.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Liu, ., Qin, J., Ge, X. et al. Preparation and study of straw porous biochar with aromatic ring structure for adsorption performance and mechanism toward TNT red water. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 118483–118494 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-30672-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-30672-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation