Adsorption of methylene blue using activated carbons produced from wastewater-grown algal biomass: a circular economy perspective

IF 3.4 4区环境科学与生态学 Q2 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology Pub Date : 2026-10-10 DOI:10.1007/s13762-026-07498-2

R. Estevam, R. F. Gonçalves, D. F. Cipriano, L. D. Marsolla, J. C. C. Freitas

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Abstract

This study assessed the adsorption performance of methylene blue (MB) onto activated carbons (ACs) prepared from wastewater-grown algal biomass collected through various harvesting and pretreatment methods. Six ACs with micro- and mesoporous structures were produced via a single-step carbonization and steam activation process. Batch adsorption experiments showed an equilibrium time of about 1000 min, with ACs from biomass coagulated with Tanfloc® displaying the highest capacities (477 and 557 mg g⁻¹). Isotherm modeling revealed that the adsorption of MB by ACs from untreated biomass and those pretreated at 60 °C was better described by the Redlich–Peterson model. In contrast, the Freundlich model provided a better fit for ACs pretreated at 78 °C and under thermochemical conditions, indicating surface heterogeneity. Kinetic analysis offered insights into the adsorption mechanism, supporting predictive modeling for process optimization. Unlike prior research focused on production and characterization, this study emphasizes the practical application of algal-based ACs for dye removal, demonstrating their effectiveness in wastewater treatment and potential for integration into circular economy-oriented algal biorefineries.

Graphical abstract

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利用废水生长的藻类生物质产生的活性炭吸附亚甲基蓝：循环经济的观点

本研究评估了通过不同的收获和预处理方法收集的废水藻类生物质制备的活性炭对亚甲基蓝（MB）的吸附性能。采用一步炭化和蒸汽活化法制备了6种具有微孔和介孔结构的活性炭。批量吸附实验展示了平衡时间约1000分钟,与ACs从生物质凝固Tanfloc®显示最高的能力(477和557毫克g⁻1)。等温线模型显示，未经处理的生物质和60°C预处理的生物质中ACs对MB的吸附可以用Redlich-Peterson模型更好地描述。相比之下，Freundlich模型更适合78°C和热化学条件下预处理的ac，表明表面非均质性。动力学分析提供了对吸附机理的深入了解，支持了工艺优化的预测建模。不同于以往的研究侧重于生产和表征，本研究强调了藻基活性炭去除染料的实际应用，展示了它们在废水处理中的有效性，以及整合到以循环经济为导向的藻类生物精炼厂中的潜力。图形抽象

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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.