Abstract:
The remediation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from aqueous solution using Municipal solid waste
biochar (MSW-BC) has been evaluated. Municipal solid waste was pyrolyzed in an onsite pyrolyzer around
450 °C with a holding time of 30 min for the production of biochar (BC). Physiochemical properties of BC were
assessed based on X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) analysis. Adsorption capacities
for the VOCs (m-xylene and toluene) were examined by batch sorption experiments. Analysis indicated
high loading of m-xylene and toluene in landfill leachates from different dump sites. The FTIR analysis corroborates
with the Boehm titration data whereas XRF data demonstrated negligible amounts of trace metals in
MSW-BC to be a potential sorbent. Adsorption isotherm exhibited properties of both Langmuir and Freundlich
which is indicative of a non-ideal monolayer adsorption process taking place. Langmuir adsorption capacities
were high as 850 and 550 μg/g for toluene and m-xylene respectively. The conversion of MSW to a value added
product provided a feasible means of solid waste management. The produced MSW-BC was an economical
adsorbent which demonstrated a strong ability for removing VOCs. Hence, MSW-BC can be used as a landfill
cover or a permeable reactive barrier material to treat MSW leachate. Thus, the conversion of MSW to BC
becomes an environmentally friendly and economical means of solid waste remediation.
