Feedstock doping using iron rich waste increases the pyrolysis gas yield and adsorption performance of magnetic biochar for emerging contaminants

Magnetic carbons can significantly lower the costs of wastewater treatment due to easy separation adsorbent. However, current production techniques often involve use chlorinated or sulfonated Fe precursors with an inherent potential for secondary pollution. In this study, ochre, iron-rich waste stream was investigated as a sustainable source produce magnetic activated biochar from two agricultural feedstocks, softwood and wheat straw. doping resulted in significant shifts pyrolysis yield distribution increased gas yields (+50%) energy content (+40%) lowering production. Physical activation transformed ochre magnetite/maghemite resulting biochars led 4-fold increase adsorption capacities common micropollutants – caffeine fluconazole. The results show that not only benefits adsorbent properties but also process, leading way carbon adsorbents.