Superefficient Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater by Mg-Loaded Biochars: Adsorption Characteristics and Removal Mechanisms

Six types of biochar (BSB, CSB, FSB, CFSB, MSB, and TSB) were prepared from different raw materials by loading magnesium ions (Mg2+) via an impregnation process. The adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics of heavy metals at high concentrations were analyzed. The adsorption mechanisms were investigated by zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-atomic absorption spectroscopy analyses. The adsorption of heavy metals by BSB, CSB, FSB, CFSB, MSB, and TSB conformed to the Langmuir model and PS-order. The maximum theoretical saturation adsorption capacities for Cd(II), Cu(II), and Pb(II) were 333.33, 238.10, 75.19, 96.15, 66.23, and 185.19 mg.g(-1); 370.37, 294.12, 111.11, 169.49, 84.75, and 217.39 mg.g(-1); and 302.58, 200.00, 61.73, 90.91, 54.47, and 166.67 mg.g(-1), respectively. According to the analysis of the contribution of adsorption, the adsorption process was mainly controlled by cation-pi interactions, ion exchange, mineral precipitation, and functional group interactions. Biochars contain ash, functional groups and load a large number of Mg2+, which can form complexes with metal ions and perform strong ion exchange; therefore, mineral precipitation and cation exchange played dominant roles in the adsorption process. The prepared Mg-loaded biochars presented in this research showed excellent adsorption properties for heavy metals and have great potential for practical application; in particular, BSB had the strongest adsorption capacity for the three heavy metal ions.