Adsorption characteristics and mechanisms of Cd(II) from wastewater by modified chicken manure biochar

Due to the threat to food supply and human health posed by cadmium-contaminated wastewater, a highly effective adsorbent is under necessary development to remove cadmium from wastewater. In this study, four new types of modified biochars with different modifier concentrations were prepared from chicken manure using K2FeO4 as a modifier, and the modified biochar KFBC1 with the best adsorption effect was obtained through optimal experiments. Various characterization analyses have shown that KFBC1 has a rough surface structure, abundant pore structure, and a large number of functional groups. Additionally, iron oxides are introduced on the surface of the biochar, which provided a favorable condition for the adsorption of Cd(II) in wastewater. The adsorption performance of Cd(II) on the biochar before and after modification was investigated through batch adsorption experiments. The adsorption kinetic model of KFBC1 to Cd(II) in solution was in accordance with the quasi-secondary kinetic model, and the adsorption isothermal model was in accordance with the Langmuir model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 330.06 mg/g, which was 5.15 fold of pristine BC. Meanwhile, the adsorption rate of Cd(II) by KFBC1 was positively correlated with dosage and pH. Pore adsorption, ion exchange, surface precipitation, interaction with -π electrons, and complexation of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface were considered as important mechanisms for the removal of Cd(II) by KFBC1. According to the results, KFBC1 is a novel and efficient adsorbent that can be used as a treatment agent for cadmium-contaminated wastewater.