Removal of potentially toxic metal by biochar derived from rendered solid residue with high content of protein and bone tissue

The purpose of this study was to produce rendering animal carcass residue char (RACR-C) by pyrolyzing the solid residues of low-recyclable rendered pig carcasses and to evaluate their cadmium (Cd) adsorption characteristics and mechanisms. As the pyrolysis temperature increased, the inorganic content of RACR-C increased, while the carbon content decreased. In particular, the surface structure and chemistry of RACR-Cs prepared at different pyrolysis temperatures were well described by SEM-EDS, XRD, XRF, TGA, and FTIR. The Cd adsorption characteristics of RACR-C were in good agreement with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models, and the Cd adsorption capacities of RACR-Cs prepared at various pyrolysis temperatures were in the order of RACRC500 (73.5 mg/g) > RACR-C600 (53.8 mg/g) > RACR-C400 (41.5 mg/g) RACR-C250 (15.9 mg/g). The intraparticle diffusion model suggested that the adsorption of Cd by RACR-C is greatly influenced by internal diffusion as well as external boundary. Since the Cd adsorption capacity of RACR-C is greatly influenced by the initial dosage, pH, and co-existing metals, it is necessary to manage these influencing factors when treating wastewater containing heavy metals. Our results suggest that Cd adsorption by RACR-C is a complex adsorption phenomenon by various mechanisms such as adsorption by functional group (CC and C-O), precipitation of Cd-P and ion exchange reaction by exchangeable cation occurring rather than by a single specific mechanism.

Automated summary

This study produced RACR-C by pyrolyzing pig carcass residues and evaluated their Cd adsorption characteristics. The Cd adsorption capacity of RACR-C is influenced by factors such as initial dosage, pH, and co-existing metals, requiring comprehensive management. Adsorption of Cd by RACR-C involves various mechanisms, including adsorption by functional groups, precipitation of Cd-P, and ion exchange reactions.