ASSESSMENT OF TOXIC METAL IONS REMOVAL BY NOVEL NANOPOROUS BIO-CHARS

Abstract

Novel nanoporous bio-chars with well-developed mesoporous structure, derived from juice industry residues, are obtained by applying new energy-saving treatment method. Using a precursor with a significantly high content of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin (cherry stones) results in the formation of carbonaceous material with micro- and mesopores, whereas a raw material with a higher content of lipids and lignin (dried aronia fruit residue) produces carbon with narrow microporosity. The cadmium adsorption capacity values for activated carbon from cherry stones and aronia residue are 93 and 70 mg g^-1, and mercury adsorption capacities are 83 and 104 mg g^-1, respectively. The characteristics of the obtained nanoporous bio-chars indicate that they are suitable for the removal of highly toxic
metal ions from wastewater.