Innovative Valorization of Wood Panel Waste into Activated Biochar for Efficient Phenol Adsorption
Source abstract
Abstract
Construction and demolition byproducts include substantial amounts of wood panel waste (WPW) that pose environmental challenges. They also create opportunities for sustainable resource recovery. This study investigates the potential of WPW-derived biochar as an efficient adsorbent for phenol removal from aqueous solutions. Biochar was produced via pyrolysis at 450 °C and subsequent activation at 750, 850, and 950 °C. The biochar’s physicochemical properties, including surface area, pore volume, and elemental composition, were characterized using advanced methods, including BET analysis, elemental analysis, and adsorption isotherm analysis. Activated biochar demonstrated up to nine times higher adsorption capacity than raw biochar, with a maximum of 171.9 mg/g at 950 °C under optimal conditions: pH of 6 at 25 °C, initial phenol concentration of 200 mg/L, and biochar dosage of 1 g/L of solution for 48 h. Kinetic and isotherm studies revealed that phenol adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model and fit the Langmuir isotherm, indicating chemisorption and monolayer adsorption mechanisms. Leaching tests confirmed the biochar’s environmental safety, with heavy metal concentrations well below regulatory limits. Based on these findings, WPW biochar offers a promising, eco-friendly solution for wastewater treatment in line with circular economy and green chemistry principles.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal · Heavy metals in environment · Recycling and utilization of industrial and municipal waste in materials production
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Research Forest Institute (Institut de Recherche sur les Forêts, IRF), University of Québec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada
Centre Technologique des Résidus Industriels (CTRI, Technology Center for Industrial Waste), 17 Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue (College of Abitibi-Témiscamingue), 425 Boul. du Collège, 18, Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E5, Canada
Funding
Consortium de recherche et innovations en bioprocédés industriels au Québec (CRIBIQ) · Fonds de recherche du Québec—Nature et technologies (FRQNT)
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