Almond Shell-Derived Biochar for Lead Adsorption: Comparative Study of Pyrolysis Techniques and Sorption Capacities.

ABSTRACT: Lead (Pb(II)) contamination in water poses severe environmental and health risks due to its toxicity and persistence. This study compares almond shell-derived biochars produced by slow pyrolysis (SP) and microwave pyrolysis (MW), with and without KOH activation, focusing on structural properties and Pb(II) adsorption performance. Biochars were characterized by proximate and elemental analysis, BET surface area, FTIR spectroscopy, and adsorption experiments including pH dependence, kinetics, and equilibrium isotherms. Non-activated SP exhibited the highest surface area (S_BET = 693 m²·g^-1), pronounced mesoporosity (≈73% of total pore volume), and the largest observed equilibrium capacities. KOH activation increased surface hydroxyl content but degraded textur

SUBMITTER: Pertile E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12565990 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature