Adsorption of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) from aqueous solutions by biochar derived from Chaenomeles sinensis seed

In order to utilize the discarded Chaenomeles sinensis seed (CSS) and develop low-cost biochar for heavy metal pollution control, this study pyrolyzed CSS to prepare biochar at three different temperatures (300, 450 and 600 °C). The physicochemical properties of CSS biochar such as elemental composition, surface area, surface morphology and surface functional groups were characterized. Its adsorption properties including kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics were studied. The results showed that the adsorption equilibrium was reached at 5 h, which was relatively fast. CSS biochar prepared at 450 °C (CSS450) had the maximum adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) and Cu(II), which was 93.19 mg/g and 105.12 mg/g, respectively. The thermodynamic parameter ΔG0 < 0 and the isotherm parameter RL between 0 and 1 all revealed the feasibility and spontaneity of the adsorption process. The removal of Cr(VI) exhibited high efficiency in a wide pH range (1–10), while the removal of Cu(II) was pH-dependent and optimal at pH = 6. The coexisting ions in the solution showed slight inhibition of the adsorption of Cr(VI) and Cu(II). Additionally, Cu(II) exhibited better affinity for CSS450 than Cr(VI) in dynamic adsorption. This is the first study to prepare biochar from CSS and confirms its potential application for heavy metal remediation.