Impact of Different Biochar Characteristics on Heavy Metal Removal

Professor Introduction

H. D | Ph.D. in Environmental Science

Home Institute：University College London

[ Research Interests ] Research expertise in acid mine drainage treatment, water pollution prevention and control, and heavy metal pollution remediation.
[ Publications ]  First author of three SCI papers and two international conference papers.

Project Description

This project investigates the efficiency and capacity of heavy metal removal by biochar prepared using different feedstocks and pyrolysis temperatures. First, the biochar will be selected based on the feedstock (wood and grass/husk) and pyrolysis temperature (300-750°C). Then, synthetic heavy metal water with different concentrations (starting from a single pollutant) will be prepared. Second, heavy metal removal experiments will be conducted by setting different biochar dosages, contact times, initial heavy metal concentrations, and reaction temperatures (optional, a shaker thermostat is required). The specific details will be discussed based on the student's preference. The heavy metal concentrations will be analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) before and after the experiment. Finally, the removal efficiency and capacity of heavy metals will be calculated. Meanwhile, two adsorption models and adsorption equilibrium isotherms will be applied based on the experimental results.

Project Keywords

Project Outline

Part 1 :  Introduction to Biochar and Heavy Metal Pollution
• Overview of Biochar, Its Production Methods, and Applications in Environmental Remediation
• Sources and Types of Heavy Metals, Their Environmental and Health Impacts, and Current Remediation Techniques

Part 2 : Research Objectives and Hypotheses
• Exploring the Effects of Different Feedstocks and Pyrolysis Temperatures on Heavy Metal Removal Efficiency by Biochar
• Comparing the Removal Capacities of Different Biochars Under Various Experimental Conditions

Part 3 :  Experimental Design
• Preparation of Biochar from Various Feedstocks at Different Pyrolysis Temperatures and Its Characterization
• Preparation of Synthetic Heavy Metal Solutions and Design of Adsorption Experiments with Control and Experimental Groups
• Use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for Heavy Metal Concentration Analysis

Part 4:   Data Collection and Analysis
• Recording Changes in Heavy Metal Concentrations and Calculating Removal Efficiency and Adsorption Capacity
• Applying Adsorption Isotherm Models to Fit Experimental Data and Analyzing Adsorption Performance Under Various Conditions

Part 5 :  Results and Discussion
• Graphical Representation of Removal Efficiency and Adsorption Capacity, and Comparison of Biochar Performance
• Interpretation of Experimental Results, Exploring the Influence of Biochar Properties and Experimental Variables on Heavy Metal Removal

Part 6 :  Conclusion and Future Directions
• Summary of Key Findings, Highlighting the Impact of Biochar Characteristics on Heavy Metal Removal and Study Innovations
• Identification of Research Limitations and Suggestions for Future Research, Including Optimization of Biochar Preparation Conditions

Part 7 :  Reporting and Presentation
• Writing a Detailed Research Report with Clear Structure, Concise Language, and Accurate Data Presentation
• Preparing and Delivering a Clear and Engaging Oral Presentation of Research Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusions

Suitable for

• High School Students:  Interested in environmental science and looking to engage in advanced studies or competitions.
• University students: Majoring in related disciplines and seeking to deepen their understanding and participate in research.
• Researchers and educators: Wishing to incorporate current research trends into their teaching and academic work.