Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of organic matter, and can be used to enhance soil fertility, sequester carbon, and improve environmental sustainability.
Published in Chapter:
The Potential of Agricultural Waste Chars as Low-Cost Adsorbents for Heavy Metal Removal From Water
Bothwell Nyoni (Nelson Mandela University, South Africa & National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe),
Bienvenu Gael Fouda-Mbanga (Nelson Mandela University, South Africa),
Bongibethu Msekeli Hlabano-Moyo (Iowa State University, USA),
Yvonne Boitumelo Nthwane (Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa & University of Johannesburg, South Africa),
Bongani Yalala (National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe),
Zikhona Tywabi-Ngeva (Nelson Mandela University, South Africa), and
Percy Hlangothi (Nelson Mandela University, South Africa)
Copyright: © 2024
|Pages: 27
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-1618-4.ch011
Abstract
Ensuring that every human being has access to clean and safe drinking water is a major global concern. The challenge of heavy metal contamination in water poses a serious risk to human health. This chapter aims to explore an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to address water contamination issues. The focus is on using pyrolysis char derived from agricultural waste as a low-cost adsorbent to efficiently remove heavy metals from water. A thorough review of relevant literature, emphasising the advantages of pyrolysis char and highlighting recent advancements in the field, is performed. Additionally, an outline of potential challenges and future research direction in this promising area is given.