Work

Microwave-Driven Upcycling of Biomass and Soft Slaughterhouse Waste into Activated Carbon for Efficient Cr(VI) Removal

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study demonstrates the rapid microwave-assisted upcycling of diverse bio-wastes — including aloe vera industrial leaf waste, corn cob agricultural residues, and soft slaughterhouse by-products (pork liver, lung, and heart) into high-surface-area activated carbons for efficient hexavalent chromium removal. To process the challenging high-moisture animal organs, a hybrid approach combining microwave-assisted hydrothermal pre-treatment with subsequent ZnCl₂-activated microwave pyrolysis was developed. Structural characterization by N₂ porosimetry, FT-IR, Raman and XRD confirmed the formation of stable, amorphous porous networks, with surface development strongly dependent on both precursor type and pyrolysis temperature. The prepared carbons exhibited excellent water dispersibility and long-term colloidal stability. Cr(VI) adsorption studies followed the Langmuir model, with thermodynamic analysis confirming spontaneous and endothermic uptake. Agricultural-derived carbons outperformed slaughterhouse-derived ones in terms of surface area and adsorption capacity, while all materials remained highly competitive with reported adsorbents in literature. These findings highlight a sustainable circular economy approach for converting animal by-products and biomass wastes into effective environmental adsorbents.

Source: Micro

DOI: 10.3390/micro6030060

Authors: Maria Baikousi, Foteini Tsiogka, Alexandros Parodos, Nikolaos Pantiskas, Constantinos E. Salmas, Michael A. Karakassides

Institution: University of Ioannina

Language: English

Topic: Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207