Innovative chemical functionalisation of biosolids for removing heavy metals and enhancing ammonium recovery from wastewater

IF 3 4区环境科学与生态学 Q2 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology Pub Date : 2024-09-28 DOI:10.1007/s13762-024-06069-7

M. Hedayati Marzbali, I. G. Hakeem, T. Ngo, A. Surapaneni, K. Shah

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Abstract

This study addresses ammonium removal from wastewater effluents. The utilisation of biosolids (stabilized sewage sludge) derived products as adsorbents was explored to contribute to sustainable sludge management. Biosolids were subjected to a mild acid (10% v/v HNO₃) and alkali (0.5 M NaOH) treatment at ambient conditions followed by pyrolysis at 450 °C. R-COOH functional group was introduced to the biochar surface by HNO₃ treatment followed by the ionic replacement of H⁺ with Na⁺ from NaOH treatment to form R-COO-Na group. The surface functional groups were studied via XPS, EDS, and FTIR analyses. The chemical treatment achieved on average about 75% removal of heavy metals from the product. The modified biochar showed a high ammonium adsorption capacity from both synthetic wastewater (17.03 mg g⁻¹) and real digester effluent (16.1 mg g⁻¹), higher than that of raw biosolids biochar (5.23 mg g⁻¹ in synthetic effluent). The N-laden biochar (composed of 1.6 wt% surface nitrogen) with reduced heavy metals content could be applied to land as a slow-release nitrogen fertiliser. Economic analysis reveals a net present value of $1 million and a payback period of 8 years. This approach potentially reduces environmental pollution and provides economic benefits via cost-effective waste treatment solutions.

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来源期刊

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 环境科学-环境科学

CiteScore

5.60

自引率

6.50%

发文量

806

审稿时长

10.8 months

期刊介绍： International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology (IJEST) is an international scholarly refereed research journal which aims to promote the theory and practice of environmental science and technology, innovation, engineering and management. A broad outline of the journal''s scope includes: peer reviewed original research articles, case and technical reports, reviews and analyses papers, short communications and notes to the editor, in interdisciplinary information on the practice and status of research in environmental science and technology, both natural and man made. The main aspects of research areas include, but are not exclusive to; environmental chemistry and biology, environments pollution control and abatement technology, transport and fate of pollutants in the environment, concentrations and dispersion of wastes in air, water, and soil, point and non-point sources pollution, heavy metals and organic compounds in the environment, atmospheric pollutants and trace gases, solid and hazardous waste management; soil biodegradation and bioremediation of contaminated sites; environmental impact assessment, industrial ecology, ecological and human risk assessment; improved energy management and auditing efficiency and environmental standards and criteria.