Ammonium Adsorption from Water by Macadamia Husk-Derived Biochar Forms: Mechanism and Behavior Study

Phuong Van Nguyen

doi:10.22146/ijc.105533

Ammonium Adsorption from Water by Macadamia Husk-Derived Biochar Forms: Mechanism and Behavior Study

https://doi.org/10.22146/ijc.105533

Phuong Van Nguyen^(1*)

(1) Institute of Environmental Science, Engineering and Management, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, 12 Nguyen Van Bao Street, Hanh Thong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract

Ammonium (NH₄⁺) is a nutrient and a pollutant of the aquatic environment. This study aims to evaluate the ability to recover NH₄⁺ in water through the adsorption studies of macadamia husk-derived biochar at different pyrolysis temperatures (300, 450, and 600 °C). An experimental design was used to investigate adsorption conditions, including pH, biochar dosage, and NH₄⁺ concentration in water, by letting biochar contact with NH₄⁺ solution for about 2 h. Kinetic studies were also considered at different times. The results showed that the optimal parameters included pH 4, biochar dosage of 10 g L⁻¹, and initial NH₄⁺ concentration for saturated adsorption of 166.7 mg L⁻¹. The highest NH₄⁺ adsorption capacity of the three biochar forms ranged from 16.4 to 18.2 mg g⁻¹, and the equilibrium time was 15–30 min. The Freundlich model is suitable for explaining the process behavior. Meanwhile, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model describes the mechanism of NH₄⁺ adsorption process. The study provided a solution to utilize agricultural waste as an NH₄⁺ adsorbent, as this adsorbed material can be used as fertilizer.

Keywords

NH4+ adsorption; biochar; equilibrium; kinetics; macadamia husk

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/ijc.105533