Remediation Potential of Biochar/copper Oxide Nanoparticles Composite for Lead- and Cadmium-Contaminated Wastewater

This study evaluates the batch scale performance of Sesbania bispinosa biochar (SBBC) and its nanocomposite with copper oxide nanoparticles (SBBC/CuO) to remove lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from synthetic wastewater and groundwater. Point of zero charge (PZC), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were conducted to gain insight into the removal process. The batch scale experiment assessed the effects of initial concentrations of Pb and Cd (25–200 mg/L), solution pH (3–9), adsorbent dose (0.5–2.0 g/L) and interaction time (15–180 min) to remove Pb and Cd from synthetic wastewater. The highest removal of Pb (98.7