Steam-activated/H 3 PO 4 functionalized biochars from grape wastes for drug adsorption

Abstract

Grape waste was used to produce steam-activated biochars functionalized with H3PO4 (BAP-CWR) for drug uptake from aqueous media. The BAP-CWR exhibited favorable adsorption properties, enabling distinct interactions with diclofenac potassium (DCF) and ivermectin (IVM). The experimental kinetic trend was predicted by the general order model. The Sips and Freundlich models best described the equilibrium isotherms. The maximum adsorption capacities were 62.4 and 46.6 mg g−1 for DCF and IVM, respectively. Besides, the BAP-CWR adsorbent could be regenerated with ethanol and reused 10 times. In conclusion, the material developed has fundamental features that make it an efficient adsorbent for treating effluents contaminated with pollutants. Its capacity and sustainability highlight BAP-CWR as a promising solution for managing pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater.