Microwave Pyrolysis with Steam Activation in Producing Activated Carbon for Removal of Herbicides in Agricultural Surface Water

Microwave pyrolysis combined with steam activation was performed to convert palm kernel shells into activated carbon (AC), which was then tested as an adsorbent to remove herbicide (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic, termed 2,4-D) contaminating the surface water in agricultural land. The pyrolysis generated 83 wt % yield of AC containing high carbon content, low moisture content (similar to 5 wt %), and a microporous structure with high surface area (419 m(2)/g), indicating the availability of many adsorption sites for use as an adsorbent. Microwave power and activation time influenced the yield and composition of the AC formed. The AC recorded an adsorption efficiency of up to 11 mg of 2,4-D/g of AC. Our results demonstrate that this pyrolysis approach shows exceptional promise as a means for producing AC for removing herbicides in agricultural land.