Work

Efficient removal of 2,4-D using NaOH-activated date seed Biochar with adsorption behavior, kinetic and isotherm modeling, and process optimization

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The contamination of water bodies with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide has raised serious environmental concerns. In this study, date seed biochar was chemically activated using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to enhance its adsorption performance. The adsorbent was characterized using BET, FTIR, SEM, XRD, and EDS analyses to investigate its surface area, functional groups, morphology, crystallinity, and elemental composition. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted under varying initial concentrations, contact times, and pH conditions to evaluate the removal efficiency of 2,4-D. The optimal pH was determined to be 4. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 62.11 mg/g based on the Langmuir model, which showed a better fit (R² = 0.95) than the Freundlich model. Kinetic studies revealed that the pseudo-second-order model best described the adsorption behavior (R² = 0.997), indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. These findings highlight the effectiveness of NaOH-activated date seed biochar as a low-cost and sustainable adsorbent for the removal of 2,4-D from aqueous solutions.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-30144-9

Authors: Mozhdeh Keramatzadeh, Majid Ehteshami, Afshin Takdastan

Institutions: K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690