Resource utilization of typical biomass wastes as biochars in removing plasticizer diethyl phthalate from water: characterization and adsorption mechanisms

Highlights

● Six largely produced agricultural biomass wastes were pyrolyzed into biochars.

● Feedstock type significantly determined physiochemical properties of biochars.

● The biochars showed powerful adsorption capabilities to Plasticizer DEP.

● Giant reed biochar with higher DEP adsorption was a prominent sorbent.

Abstract

Plastic pollution as a global environmental issue has become a research hotspot, among which the removal of inherent plasticizer (e.g., phthalic acid esters, PAEs) received increasing attention. However, the effects of biochars derived from different feedstocks on the adsorption of PAEs are poorly understood. Thus, the characteristics of biochars derived from six largely produced biomass wastes in China at 400 °C, as well as their performance in adsorption of diethyl phthalate (DEP), one of frequently detected PAEs in aqueous environment, were investigated. The results indicated that the variation in feedstock type showed significant changes in the properties (e.g., porosity, specific surface area, surface functional groups) of biochars, which affected DEP adsorption and desorption. Pseudo-second order and Freundlich models fitted the adsorption data well, and adsorption mechanisms mainly included hydrophobic effect, followed by micropore filling, hydrogen bonding, and π-π EDA interactions. Adsorption thermodynamics revealed that the adsorption was a spontaneous and exothermic the adsorption capacities of DEP on these biochars slightly decreased with the increasing pH but increased with the increasing ionic strength. Among these biochars, the giant reed biochar with relatively higher DEP adsorption and low desorption exhibited the great efficiency for DEP removal as an environment-friendly sorbent. These results highlighted the significant roles of micropore filling and hydrogen bond in determining adsorption capacity of designed biochars prepared from selecting suitable agricultural straws and wetland plant waste to typical plasticizer. The findings are useful for producing designed biochars from different biomass wastes for plasticizer pollution control.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Plastic pollution / Phthalic acid esters / Designed biochar / Wetland plant / Adsorption

References

[1] Abdoul Magid A S I , Islam M S , Chen Y , Weng L , Sun Y , Chang X , Zhou B , Ma J , Li Y . (2021). Competitive adsorption of Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) onto fresh and oxidized corncob biochar. Chemosphere, 280 : 130639

[2] Abdul G , Zhu X , Chen B . (2017). Structural characteristics of biochar-graphene nanosheet composites and their adsorption performance for phthalic acid esters. Chemical Engineering Journal, 319 : 9– 20

[3] Arp H P H , Kühnel D , Rummel C , MacLeod M , Potthoff A , Reichelt S , Rojo-Nieto E , Schmitt-Jansen M , Sonnenberg J , Toorman E , Jahnke A . (2021). Weathering plastics as a planetary boundary threat: exposure, fate, and hazards. Environmental Science & Technology, 55( 11): 7246– 7255

[4] Borrelle S B , Ringma J , Law K L , Monnahan C C , Lebreton L , McGivern A , Murphy E , Jambeck J , Leonard G H , Hilleary M A , Eriksen M , Possingham H P , De Frond H , Gerber L R , Polidoro B , Tahir A , Bernard M , Mallos N , Barnes M , Rochman C M . (2020). Predicted growth in plastic waste exceeds efforts to mitigate plastic pollution. Science, 369( 6510): 1515– 1518

[5] Chen B , Zhou D , Zhu L . (2008). Transitional adsorption and partition of nonpolar and polar aromatic contaminants by biochars of pine needles with different pyrolytic temperatures. Environmental Science & Technology, 42( 14): 5137– 5143

[6] Chen Q , Zheng J , Yang Q , Dang Z , Zhang L . (2019a). Effect of carbon chain structure on the phthalic acid esters (PAEs) adsorption mechanism by mesoporous cellulose biochar. Chemical Engineering Journal, 362 : 383– 391

[7] Chen Z , Hu Z , Wang J , Wang X , Niu X , Wang Y , Shen Y , Teng W , Fan J , Zhang W X . (2019b). Synthesis of mesoporous silica-carbon microspheres via self-assembly and in-situ carbonization for efficient adsorption of Di-n-butyl phthalate. Chemical Engineering Journal, 369 : 854– 862

[8] Cheng Z , Wang Y , Qiao B , Zhang Q , Sun H . (2021). Insights into mechanisms involved in the uptake, translocation, and metabolism of phthalate esters in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis). Science of the Total Environment, 768 : 144945

[9] Chi T , Zuo J Z , Liu F . (2017). Performance and mechanism for cadmium and lead adsorption from water and soil by corn straw biochar. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 11( 2): 15

[10] Dai R , Han H , Zhu Y , Wang X , Wang Z . (2022). Tuning the primary selective nanochannels of MOF thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration membranes for efficient removal of hydrophobic endocrine disrupting compounds. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 16( 4): 40

[11] Gao D W , Wen Z D . (2016). Phthalate esters in the environment: A critical review of their occurrence, biodegradation, and removal during wastewater treatment processes. Science of the Total Environment, 541 : 986– 1001

[12] Guo R , Yan L , Rao P , Wang R , Guo X . (2020). Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped biochar derived from peanut shell with enhanced adsorption capacity for diethyl phthalate. Environmental Pollution, 258 : 113674

[13] Hung C H Yuan C Li H W ( 2017). Photodegradation of diethyl phthalate with PANi/CNT/TiO₂ immobilized on glass plate irradiated with visible light and simulated sunlight-effect of synthesized method and pH . Journal of Hazardous Materials, 322(Pt A): 243– 253

[14] Jin J Sun K Wu F Gao B Wang Z Kang M Bai Y Zhao Y Liu X Xing B ( 2014) . Single-solute and bi-solute sorption of phenanthrene and dibutyl phthalate by plant- and manure-derived biochars. Science of the Total Environment, 473– 474: 473– 474

[15] Jing F , Pan M , Chen J . (2018a). Kinetic and isothermal adsorption-desorption of PAEs on biochars: effect of biomass feedstock, pyrolysis temperature, and mechanism implication of desorption hysteresis. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 25( 12): 11493– 11504

[16] Jing F Sohi S P Liu Y Chen J ( 2018b). Insight into mechanism of aged biochar for adsorption of PAEs: Reciprocal effects of ageing and coexisting Cd₂. Environmental Pollution, 242(Pt B): 1098– 1107

[17] Ke H , Gong S , He J , Zhou C , Zhang L , Zhou Y . (2019). Spatial and temporal distribution of open bio-mass burning in China from 2013 to 2017. Atmospheric Environment, 210 : 156– 165

[18] Lai L , Huang X , Yang H , Chuai X , Zhang M , Zhong T , Chen Z , Chen Y , Wang X , Thompson J R . (2016). Carbon emissions from land-use change and management in China between 1990 and 2010. Science Advances, 2( 11): e1601063

[19] Lau W W Y , Shiran Y , Bailey R M , Cook E , Stuchtey M R , Koskella J , Velis C A , Godfrey L , Boucher J , Murphy M B . . (2020). Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution. Science, 369( 6510): 1455– 1461

[20] Li J , Fan J , Zhang J , Hu Z , Liang S . (2018). Preparation and evaluation of wetland plant-based biochar for nitrogen removal enhancement in surface flow constructed wetlands. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 25( 14): 13929– 13937

[21] Li Q , Zhu S , Hao G , Hu Y , Wu F , Jiang W . (2021). Fabrication of thermoresponsive metal-organic nanotube sponge and its application on the adsorption of endocrine-disrupting compounds and pharmaceuticals/personal care products: experiment and molecular simulation study. Environmental Pollution, 273 : 116466

[22] Li Y , Chang F , Huang B , Song Y , Zhao H , Wang K . (2020). Activated carbon preparation from pyrolysis char of sewage sludge and its adsorption performance for organic compounds in sewage. Fuel, 266 : 117053

[23] Li Y , Zhang P , Wang L , Wang C , Zhang W , Zhang H , Niu L , Wang P , Cai M , Li W . (2019). Microstructure, bacterial community and metabolic prediction of multi-species biofilms following exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Chemosphere, 237 : 124382

[24] Lian F , Huang F , Chen W , Xing B , Zhu L . (2011). Sorption of apolar and polar organic contaminants by waste tire rubber and its chars in single- and bi-solute systems. Environmental Pollution, 159( 4): 850– 857

[25] Lima E C , Hosseini-Bandegharaei A , Moreno-Piraján J C , Anastopoulos I . (2019). A critical review of the estimation of the thermodynamic parameters on adsorption equilibria. Wrong use of equilibrium constant in the Van’t Hoff equation for calculation of thermodynamic parameters of adsorption. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 273 : 425– 434

[26] Liu G , Zheng H , Zhai X , Wang Z . (2018). Characteristics and mechanisms of microcystin-LR adsorption by giant reed-derived biochars: role of minerals, pores, and functional groups. Journal of Cleaner Production, 176 : 463– 473

[27] Liu H , Cui K , Zeng F , Chen L , Cheng Y , Li H , Li S , Zhou X , Zhu F , Ouyang G , Luan T , Zeng Z . (2014). Occurrence and distribution of phthalate esters in riverine sediments from the Pearl River Delta region, South China. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 83( 1): 358– 365

[28] Liu L , Zheng H , Luan L , Luo X , Wang X , Lu H , Li Y , Wen L , Li F , Zhao J . (2021). Functionalized polystyrene nanoplastic-induced energy homeostasis imbalance and the immunomodulation dysfunction of marine clams (Meretrix meretrix) at environmentally relevant concentrations. Environmental Science. Nano, 8( 7): 2030– 2048

[29] Lu L , Wang J , Chen B . (2018). Adsorption and desorption of phthalic acid esters on graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide as affected by humic acid. Environmental Pollution, 232 : 505– 513

[30] Lu L , Yu W , Wang Y , Zhang K , Zhu X , Zhang Y , Wu Y , Ullah H , Xiao X , Chen B . (2020). Application of biochar-based materials in environmental remediation: from multi-level structures to specific devices. Biochar, 2( 1): 1– 31

[31] Mao J , Zhang K , Chen B . (2019). Linking hydrophobicity of biochar to the water repellency and water holding capacity of biochar-amended soil. Environmental Pollution, 253 : 779– 789

[32] Meng W , He M , Hu B , Mo X , Li H , Liu B , Wang Z . (2017). Status of wetlands in China: a review of extent, degradation, issues and recommendations for improvement. Ocean and Coastal Management, 146 : 50– 59

[33] Mesdaghinia A , Azari A , Nodehi R N , Yaghmaeian K , Bharti A K , Agarwal S , Gupta V K , Sharafi K . (2017). Removal of phthalate esters (PAEs) by zeolite/Fe₃O₄: investigation on the magnetic adsorption separation, catalytic degradation and toxicity bioassay. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 233 : 378– 390

[34] Nie T , Yang X , Chen H , Müller K , Shaheen S M , Rinklebe J , Song H , Xu S , Wu F , Wang H . (2021). Effect of biochar aging and co-existence of diethyl phthalate on the mono-sorption of cadmium and zinc to biochar-treated soils. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 408 : 124850

[35] Oh S , Wang Q , Shin W S , Song D I . (2013). Effect of salting out on the desorption-resistance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coastal sediment. Chemical Engineering Journal, 225 : 84– 92

[36] Paluselli A , Fauvelle V , Galgani F , Sempéré R . (2019). Phthalate release from plastic fragments and degradation in seawater. Environmental Science & Technology, 53( 1): 166– 175

[37] PRC-NS ( 2006). Standard for Drinking Water Quality. Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China and Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China. GB 5749-2006. Beijing: State Environmental Protection Administration (in Chinese).

[38] Qiu M , Sun K , Jin J , Gao B , Yan Y , Han L , Wu F , Xing B . (2014). Properties of the plant- and manure-derived biochars and their sorption of dibutyl phthalate and phenanthrene. Scientific Reports, 4( 1): 5295

[39] Rajabi H , Mosleh M H , Mandal P , Lea-Langton A , Sedighi M . (2021). Sorption behaviour of xylene isomers on biochar from a range of feedstock. Chemosphere, 268 : 129310

[40] Ren X , Wang F , Cao F , Guo J , Sun H . (2018). Desorption of atrazine in biochar-amended soils: effects of root exudates and the aging interactions between biochar and soil. Chemosphere, 212 : 687– 693

[41] Shaida M A , Dutta R K , Sen A K . (2018). Removal of diethyl phthalate via adsorption on mineral rich waste coal modified with chitosan. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 261 : 271– 282

[42] Su P , Gao X , Zhang J , Djellabi R , Yang B , Wu Q , Wen Z . (2021). Enhancing the adsorption function of biochar by mechanochemical graphitization for organic pollutant removal. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 15( 6): 130

[43] Sun C, Zhang G, Zheng H, Liu N, Shi M, Luo X, Chen L, Li F, Hu S (2019). Fate of four phthalate esters with presence of Karenia brevis: uptake and biodegradation. Aquatic Toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 206: 81–90 30468977

[44] Sun J , Wu X , Gan J . (2015). Uptake and metabolism of phthalate esters by edible plants. Environmental Science & Technology, 49( 14): 8471– 8478

[45] Sun K , Jin J , Keiluweit M , Kleber M , Wang Z , Pan Z , Xing B . (2012). Polar and aliphatic domains regulate sorption of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) to biochars. Bioresource Technology, 118 : 120– 127

[46] UN Environment Programme ( 2014). Valuing plastic: the business case for measuring, managing and disclosing plastic use in the consumer goods industry. Kenya: United Nations Environment Programme

[47] Vela N , Calín M , Yáñez-Gascón M J , Garrido I , Pérez-Lucas G , Fenoll J , Navarro S . (2018). Solar reclamation of wastewater effluent polluted with bisphenols, phthalates and parabens by photocatalytic treatment with TiO₂/Na₂S₂O₈ at pilot plant scale. Chemosphere, 212 : 95– 104

[48] Wang F , Yao J , Sun K , Xing B . (2010). Adsorption of dialkyl phthalate esters on carbon nanotubes. Environmental Science & Technology, 44( 18): 6985– 6991

[49] Wang J , Chen B , Xing B . (2016a). Wrinkles and folds of activated graphene nanosheets as fast and efficient adsorptive sites for hydrophobic organic contaminants. Environmental Science & Technology, 50( 7): 3798– 3808

[50] Wang S , Kwak J H , Islam M S , Naeth M A , Gamal El-Din M , Chang S X . (2020a). Biochar surface complexation and Ni(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) adsorption in aqueous solutions depend on feedstock type. Science of the Total Environment, 712 : 136538

[51] Wang X , Zhao K , Yang B , Chen T , Li D , Wu H , Wei J , Wu X . (2016b). Adsorption of dibutyl phthalate in aqueous solution by mesoporous calcium silicate grafted non-woven polypropylene. Chemical Engineering Journal, 306 : 452– 459

[52] Wang X , Zheng H , Zhao J , Luo X , Wang Z , Xing B . (2020b). Photodegradation elevated the toxicity of polystyrene microplastics to grouper (Epinephelus moara) through disrupting hepatic lipid homeostasis. Environmental Science & Technology, 54( 10): 6202– 6212

[53] Wang Z , Liu G , Zheng H , Li F , Ngo H H , Guo W , Liu C , Chen L , Xing B . (2015). Investigating the mechanisms of biochar’s removal of lead from solution. Bioresource Technology, 177 : 308– 317

[54] Wang Z , Zhao J , Song L , Mashayekhi H , Chefetz B , Xing B . (2011). Adsorption and desorption of phenanthrene on carbon nanotubes in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Environmental Science & Technology, 45( 14): 6018– 6024

[55] Wu W , Hu J , Wang J , Chen X , Yao N , Tao J , Zhou Y K . (2015a). Analysis of phthalate esters in soils near an electronics manufacturing facility and from a non-industrialized area by gas purge microsyringe extraction and gas chromatography. Science of the Total Environment, 508 : 445– 451

[56] Wu Y , Si Y , Zhou D , Gao J . (2015b). Adsorption of diethyl phthalate ester to clay minerals. Chemosphere, 119 : 690– 696

[57] Xiao X , Chen B , Zhu L , Schnoor J L . (2017). Sugar cane-converted graphene-like material for the superhigh adsorption of organic pollutants from water via coassembly mechanisms. Environmental Science & Technology, 51( 21): 12644– 12652

[58] Xu J Zhu C Song S Fang Q Zhao J Shen Y ( 2022). A nanocubicle-like 3D adsorbent fabricated by in situ growth of 2D heterostructures for removal of aromatic contaminants in water. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 423(Pt A): 127004

[59] Xue C , Wu J , Wang K , Yi Y , Fang Z , Cheng W , Fang J . (2021). Effects of different types of biochar on the properties and reactivity of nano zero-valent iron in soil remediation. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 15( 5): 101

[60] Yao S , Li X , Cheng H , Zhang C , Bian Y , Jiang X , Song Y . (2019). Resource utilization of a typical vegetable waste as biochars in removing phthalate acid esters from water: A sorption case study. Bioresource Technology, 293 : 122081

[61] Ye H , Zhao B , Zhou Y , Du J , Huang M . (2021). Recent advances in adsorbents for the removal of phthalate esters from water: Material, modification, and application. Chemical Engineering Journal, 409 : 128127

[62] You X , Jiang H , Zhao M , Suo F , Zhang C , Zheng H , Sun K , Zhang G , Li F , Li Y . (2020). Biochar reduced Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) uptake and dissipation of thiamethoxam in an agricultural soil. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 390 : 121749

[63] Zhang L , Cheng H , Pan D , Wu Y , Ji R , Li W , Jiang X , Han J . (2021). One-pot pyrolysis of a typical invasive plant into nitrogen-doped biochars for efficient sorption of phthalate esters from aqueous solution. Chemosphere, 280 : 130712

[64] Zhang Z M Zhang H H Zhang J Wang Q W Yang G P ( 2018). Occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of phthalate esters in the seawater and sediment of Changjiang River Estuary and its adjacent area. Science of the Total Environment, 619– 620: 619– 620

[65] Zhao M , Ma X , Liao X , Cheng S , Liu Q , Wang H , Zheng H , Li X , Luo X , Zhao J , Li F , Xing B . (2022). Characteristics of algae-derived biochars and their sorption and remediation performance for sulfamethoxazole in marine environment. Chemical Engineering Journal, 430 : 133092

[66] Zheng H , Wang Z , Deng X , Zhao J , Luo Y , Novak J , Herbert S , Xing B . (2013). Characteristics and nutrient values of biochars produced from giant reed at different temperatures. Bioresource Technology, 130 : 463– 471

[67] Zheng H , Zhang Q , Liu G , Luo X , Li F , Zhang Y , Wang Z . (2019). Characteristics and mechanisms of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl adsorption onto biochars: influence of deashing and low molecular weight organic acid (LMWOA) aging and co-existence. Science of the Total Environment, 657 : 953– 962

[68] Zhu S , Huang X , Ma F , Wang L , Duan X , Wang S . (2018). Catalytic removal of aqueous contaminants on N-doped graphitic biochars: Inherent roles of adsorption and nonradical mechanisms. Environmental Science & Technology, 52( 15): 8649– 8658

[69] Zhuang S , Zhu X , Wang J . (2020). Adsorptive removal of plasticizer (dimethyl phthalate) and antibiotic (sulfamethazine) from municipal wastewater by magnetic carbon nanotubes. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 319 : 114267

Electronic Supplementary Material

Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-023-1605-4 and is accessible for authorized users.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2023 Higher Education Press