Enhanced adsorption of sulfonamide antibiotics in water by modified biochar derived from bagasse

Abstract

In this study, biochars derived from bagasse were prepared and their ability for the adsorption of four kinds of sulfonamide antibiotics (sulfamethoxazol, thiazole, methylpyrimidine, dimethylpyrimidine) was investigated. Results showed that the modified biochar can efficiently adsorb sulfonamides in water. The biochar obtained at 500oC and modified with 30% hydrogen peroxide was chosen as the adsorbent. Under optimum conditions, pH 4 and 35°C, great adsorption performance was exhibited in the adsorption process of the four sulfonamide antibiotics. The productivity of the modified biochar was ~ 89% compared to un-modified biochar which is ~31%. The successful preparation of biochar from bagasse indicates that it is a good way to reuse the resources. Besides the adsorption of antibiotics, the obtained material also has a great prospect in the removal of other pollutants.