The Efficiency of Bamboo Biochar for the Removal of Iron Manganese and Arsenic Mixed Metal Contaminated Water

The objectives of this research were to study the iron, manganese, and arsenic contaminated in water resources near the gold mining area in Phichit Province. The heavy metal adsorption capacities in single and mixed metal adsorbed by bamboo biochar, chitosan coated-bamboo biochar and iron impregnated-bamboo biochar were also investigated. The adsorbents were characterized the chemical content, pH, and the iodine number. The study of adsorption efficiency was employed in term of the adsorption equilibrium time and residual concentrations of heavy metals at equilibrium time. The reusability of loaded bamboo biochar for mixed heavy metal adsorption was carried out. From the results, it revealed that the surface water contained high iron content whereas groundwater showed manganese content above drinking water quality criteria due to the geological area. Bamboo biochar contained iron and manganese contents of 6.83% and 2.37%, respectively. Chitosan coating could decrease iron and manganese contents while iron impregnated-bamboo biochar gave high iron and silica contents. The bamboo biochar exhibited neutral to base pH range, whereas the chitosan coated biochar and iron impregnated-bamboo biochar showed the acid pH range. The iodine number of bamboo biochar showed highest value of 75.30 mg/g. The equilibrium time of iron adsorption could occur within 24 hours. Manganese adsorption by bamboo biochar achieved equilibrium time faster than the surface modified biochar. The arsenic adsorption by the iron impregnated-bamboo biochar reached equilibrium time at 2 hours. Surface modified biochar was suitable for single heavy metal removal. Reuse of iron and manganese loaded-bamboo biochar for mixed heavy metals adsorption could only treated for iron and arsenic. Thus, bamboo biochar could be used for water filter material.