Sorption of ammonium and nitrate to biochars is electrostatic and pH-dependent.

ABSTRACT: Biochars are potentially effective sorbents for NH₄⁺ and NO₃^- in water treatment and soil applications. Here we compare NH₄⁺ and NO₃^- sorption rates to acid-washed biochars produced from red oak (Quercus rubra) and corn stover (Zea mays) at three pyrolysis temperatures (400, 500 and 600 °C) and a range of solution pHs (3.5-7.5). Additionally, we examined sorption mechanisms by quantification of NH₄⁺ and NO₃^- sorption, as well as Ca²⁺ and Cl^- displacement for corn stover biochars. Solution pH curves showed that NH₄⁺ sorption was maximized (0.7-0.8 mg N g^-1) with low pyrolysis temperature (400 °C) biochar at

SUBMITTER: Fidel RB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6279760 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature