Removal of Lead and Arsenic from Aqueous Solution by Biochar Produced from Locally-Sourced Biomass

This study evaluated the effectiveness of four adsorbent materials, pyrolyzed corn stover, orange peel, pistachio shell, and magnetic biochar for their ability to adsorb lead (Pb) and arsenic (As III, As V) from aqueous solution. An increase in adsorption was seen as the pH of the solution increased from pH 2 to pH 6. Magnetic orange peel biochar with Fe3O4 particles precipitated on the surface of biochar was synthetized by co-precipitation and used for arsenic adsorption. Initial pH value had an influence on the adsorption behavior of As (III) and As (V). In the pH range of 2–6, As (V) adsorption was observed to decrease with increasing pH, with highest adsorption occurring at pH 2; As (III) adsorption had the highest capacity around pH 4–6