Sustainable Removal of Chloroquine from Aqueous Solutions Using Microwave-Activated Cassava Biochar Derived from Agricultural Waste

Janaína Oliveira Gonçalves (), Bruna Silva de Farias, Estefani Cardillo Rios, Anelise Christ Ribeiro, Kamila da Rosa Acosta, Carla Pereira Wenderroschs Gomes and Tito Roberto Cadaval Junior
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Janaína Oliveira Gonçalves: Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, Barranquilla 080002, Atlántico, Colombia
Bruna Silva de Farias: Industrial Technology Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil
Estefani Cardillo Rios: Industrial Technology Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil
Anelise Christ Ribeiro: Industrial Technology Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil
Kamila da Rosa Acosta: Industrial Technology Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil
Carla Pereira Wenderroschs Gomes: Industrial Technology Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil
Tito Roberto Cadaval Junior: Industrial Technology Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-14

Abstract: This study presents a sustainable solution for the removal of the emerging contaminant chloroquine from aqueous solutions, utilizing biochar synthesized from cassava waste through a rapid, single-step microwave activation process. By repurposing cassava waste, a prevalent agricultural by-product, this method aligns with circular economy principles, promoting the sustainable reuse of waste materials. Characterization of the biochar demonstrated a highly porous, crystalline structure optimized for adsorption applications. Adsorption studies demonstrated optimal performance at 45 °C, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 39 mg g −1 in the Langmuir model. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the process was spontaneous, endothermic, and consistent with physisorption. Kinetic experiments revealed that 200 rpm agitation provided the most favorable conditions. Notably, the biochar demonstrated substantial reusability, maintaining up to 70% of its adsorption capacity over five desorption cycles. This sustainable adsorbent stands out as a practical, eco-friendly option for removing pharmaceutical contaminants while also corroborating with the beneficial reuse of agricultural by-products.

Keywords: sustainability; chloroquine removal; cassava waste biochar; microwave activation; eco-friendly adsorbent; agricultural waste reuse (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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