Biochar from Peanut Shell: Sustainable Adsorbent for Heavy Metal Remediation

Abstract

The contamination of water resulting from agricultural and industrial processes needs efficient, non-toxic, and cost-effective remediation processes. Adsorption has been proven to be an effective method for removing heavy metals from water. A new sustainable alternative from agricultural waste enthusiasm the researchers because conventional adsorbents, such as activated carbon, are effective but expensive and non-renewable. The lignocellulosic composition of peanut shell waste provides great potential as an alternative adsorbent. The adsorption capacity increases with chemical and physical modifications, which elevate their porous structure and surface functional groups. Biochar formed from peanut shells successfully removes contaminants, adding acidic groups like carboxyl and sulfonate to optimize metal ion binding, such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and potassium hydroxide. However, there is limited research on large scale applications in complex wastewater and adsorbent regeneration where these adsorbents of wastewater treatment are only successful in the lab. It is important to perform multidisciplinary studies that combine technological, economic, and environmental factors as the advancement of sustainable water treatment is derived from peanut shells.