Pyrolytic temperatures impact lead sorption mechanisms by bagasse biochars

The characteristics and mechanisms of Pb sorption by biochars produced from sugarcane bagasse at 250, 400, 500, and 600 degrees C were examined. The Pb sorption isotherms, kinetics and desorption were investigated. All biochars were effective in Pb sorption and were well described by Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum sorption capacity decreased from 21 to 6.1 mg g(-1) as temperature increased from 250 to 600 degrees C. The Pb sorption was rapid initially, probably controlled by cation exchange and complexation and then slowed down, which might be due to intraparticle diffusions. FTIR data and kinetic models suggested that oxygen functional groups were probably responsible for the high Pb sorption onto low temperature biochars (250 and 400 degrees C) whereas intraparticle diffusion was mainly responsible for low Pb sorption onto high temperature biochars (500 and 600 degrees C). Decreased phosphorus concentration indicated that P-induced Pb precipitation was also responsible for Pb sorption. Pyrolysis temperature significantly affected biochar properties and played an important role in Pb sorption capacity and mechanisms by biochars. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.