Tailoring the Biochar Physicochemical Properties Using a Friendly Eco-Method and Its Application on the Oxidation of the Drug Losartan through Persulfate Activation

In this study, spent malt rootlet-derived biochar was modified by a friendly eco-method using low temperature (100 °C) and dilute acid, base, or water. The modification significantly enhanced the surface area from 100 to 308–428 m2g?1 changed morphology carbon phase. addition, mineral’s percentage zero-point charge were affected. Among examined materials, acid-treated exhibited higher degradation of drug losartan in presence persulfate. Interestingly, acted as an adsorbent at pH 3, whereas = 5.6 10, apparent kinetic constant’s ratio koxidation/kadsorption 3.73 ± 0.03, demonstrating oxidation. Scavenging experiments indirectly demonstrated that role non-radical mechanism (singlet oxygen) crucial; however, sulfate hydroxyl radicals also participated oxidation losartan. Experiments secondary effluent resulted decreased efficiency comparison pure water; is ascribed competition between actual water matrix constituents target compound for active sites reactive species.