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Biochars derived from giant reed (Arundo donax L.) with different treatment: characterization and ammonium adsorption potential

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Abstract

The adsorption characteristics of Arundo donax L.(AD) biochars for ammonium(NH4 +-N) were investigated. Absorbents were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. AD-500 and AD-800 were produced from raw AD and pyrolyzed from room temperature to 500 and 800 °C, respectively. PD-500 was prepared by impregnating AD with a mild alkali solution and pyrolyzing from room temperature to 500 °C. The feasibility of the use of AD-500, AD-800, and PD-500 removing NH4 +-N from an aqueous solution was examined. The adsorption system followed the pseudo-first-order model. Results showed that the adsorption capacities of AD-biochars for NH4 +-N were enhanced after the final pyrolysis; temperature was increased or the mild alkali pretreatment was administered. When the initial NH4 +-N concentration was changed from 4 to 8 mM, the NH4 +-N sorption capacity of the biochar increased from 23 to 51%, with the final pyrolysis temperature increasing from 500 to 800 °C. The improved ratios were 12 to 33% when the biochar was prepared at 500 °C after the mild alkali pretreatment, and NH4 +-N sorption was enhanced due to ion exchange in the PD biochar.

Biochars derived from giant reed (Arundo donax L.) with different treatment :characterization and ammonium adsorption potential.

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Abbreviations

AD:

Arundo donax L.

AD-RT:

raw Arundo donax L. straw

AD-biochars:

AD-500, AD-800, and PD-500

PD-RT:

Pretreated Arundo donax L. straw

SEM:

Scanning electron microscopy

XRD:

X-ray diffraction

FTIR:

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

SA:

Surface area

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of PR China (NO. 51408493) and Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Southwest University (NO. SWU114013).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Resource and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People’s Republic of China

    Yaqi Zhao, Lei Huang & Yucheng Chen

  2. Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Chongqing, 400716, People’s Republic of China

    Yaqi Zhao, Lei Huang & Yucheng Chen

Authors
  1. Yaqi Zhao
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  2. Lei Huang
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  3. Yucheng Chen
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Correspondence to Lei Huang.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

Highlight

• Biochars were produced from raw and pretreated Arundo donax L.

• An increase in pyrolysis temperature promoted the NH4 +-N removal.

• The mild alkali (H2O2 + NaOH) pretreatment benefited for NH4 +-N removal.

• NH4 +-N sorption enhanced due to ion exchange in the pretreated AD biochar.

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Zhao, Y., Huang, L. & Chen, Y. Biochars derived from giant reed (Arundo donax L.) with different treatment: characterization and ammonium adsorption potential. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24, 25889–25898 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-0110-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-0110-3

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