Comparison of Heavy Metal Adsorption by Peat Moss and Peat Moss-Derived Biochar Produced Under Different Carbonization Conditions

Biochar has attracted recent research interest as ametal adsorbent. The heavy metal adsorption capacity of biochar can be controlled by the carbonization of biochar. The adsorption characteristics of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, and Cd) by peat moss-derived biochars produced under different carbonization conditions were investigated by a series of batch experiments. Biochars were produced by the pyrolysis of peat moss over a temperature range of 400-1000 degrees C for 30-90 min. Biochar produced at 800 degrees C for 90 min was the most efficient for the removal of Pb and Cu, when weight loss ratio was considered. The pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models adequately described kinetics and isotherms, respectively, of heavy metal adsorption on peat moss-derived biochar, indicating that heavy metal ions were chemically adsorbed on the adsorption sites as uniform monolayer. The peat moss-derived biochar showed the highest maximum adsorption capacity for Pb (81.3 mg/g), followed by Cd and Cu, which were 39.8 and 18.2 mg/g, respectively. This study shows that peat moss-derived biochar is an effective adsorbent to remediate heavy metal-contaminated water.