Adsorption of metolachlor by a novel magnetic illite-biochar and recovery from soil

In this study, we investigated a highly efficient adsorbent that can be recycled from the soil. Walnut shells were used as raw materials to prepare original ecological biochar (OBC), illite modified biochar (IBC), FeCl3 modified biochar (magnetic biochar; MBC), and illite and FeCl3 modified biochar (IMBC), which were tested as low-cost adsorbents. The agents were used to remove metolachlor (MET) from soil. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, magnetic sensitivity curve analysis, and a series of adsorption experiments were conducted to study the interaction between illite and MBC, and the effect on MET adsorption. Compared with OBC, IMBC had more adsorption sites on the surface. IMBC improved the hole filling effect during the adsorption process. IMBC had more oxygen-containing functional groups and it performed better at removing organic matter through pi-pi interactions. According to the Langmuir model, the Q(0) values for IBC, MBC, and IMBC were 91.74 mg g(-1), 107.53 mg g(-1), and 129.87 mg g(-1), respectively, which were significantly higher than that for OBC (72.99 mg g(-1)). The response surface model was used to explore the optimal adsorption conditions for IMBC. After three regeneration cycles, the MET adsorption rate with IMBC was still 81.38% and the MET recovery rate was 98.12%. Therefore, IMBC was characterized as an adsorbent with high efficiency, low cost, and good recyclability. In addition, we propose a suitable agricultural system for recovering MBC on site in the field.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated that illite and FeCl3 modified biochar (IMBC) showed higher adsorption efficiency in removing MET from soil and exhibited good recyclability. IMBC contained more oxygen-containing functional groups, which contributed to better removal of organic matter through pi-pi interactions.