Tailoring metal-impregnated biochars for selective removal of natural organic matter and dissolved phosphorus from the aqueous phase

This study aimed to investigate how the production process of metal impregnated biochars (MIBs) affects their selectivity in simultaneous adsorption organic matter and dissolved phosphorus from aqueous phase. MIBs were produced via a two-step pyrolysis procedure including impregnation oxides structure softwood-derived biochars, resulting copper-impregnated biochar (Cu-MIB) iron-impregnated (Fe-MIB). The tailoring was conducted by optimization temperature during stage. characterized advanced characterization analyses acquire structural, elemental, morphological properties adsorbent. surface area MIB (99 m2/g 92 for Cu-MIB Fe-MIB respectively) decreased compared pristine (571 m2/g), indicating successful oxide particles within porous carbon structure. effect operational parameters on as well tests examined batch mode. optimum doses NOM removal 2 g/l (96%) 0.5 (87%). For removal, 1 (95%) (93%). lower pH values favored both MIBs. In binary solution phosphorus, selectively adsorbed Cu-MIB, whereas removed Fe-MIB. results provide deeper understanding producing new selective adsorbents specific target pollutants.