Removal of humic substances by the synergistic effect of biochar adsorption and activation of persulfate

Combined adsorption and oxidation using biochar to activate persulfate has been recently applied remove contaminants, yet most of the experiments are carried out artificial synthetic water instead real waters. Here we tested removal humic substances which is abundant affecting quality in natural waters, by combined with corn stalk biochar. Results showed that, compared prepared at 400 °C, 600 °C 700 900 after modified hydrochloric acid had greater specific surface 459.260 m2/g, richer porosity higher acids more than 80% pH 5.0–9.0 pure water. Treatment river decrease 80.4% 69.7% total organic carbon (TOC) UV254, respectively. The addition tert-butyl-alcohol (TBA) methanol (MeOH) inhibited a certain extent suggesting existence OH SO4−. It was speculated that biochar, oxygen-containing functional groups on its might act as active sites promote production oxidized species. This work provides method for stalks utilization accordance environmental sustainability resource recovery.