The application of biochar in green infrastructure used for greywater treatment: mitigation of organic micropollutants

Anna Šabršulová

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

This study focuses on sorption of three commonly occurring greywater organic micropollutants (diclofenac, methylparaben and benzotriazole) on spruce and Typha biochar (produced at 350˚C and 600˚C, each). To find equilibration time and conduct Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models, time dependent sorption processes and batch tests were performed for each pollutant and biochar. The results provide comparison of biochars sorption capacity. Spruce biochar, which was produced at high pyrolysis temperature, exhibited the maximum sorption capacity among all the studied biochars. Consequently, affinity towards this spruce biochar has been studied likewise. Methylparaben showed the greatest affinity for spruce biochar and was closely followed by benzotriazole. Diclofenac revealed the lowest attraction to spruce biochar. Results in this study are strongly related to physicochemical characteristics of chosen micropollutants and biochar. The adsorption process was significantly dependent on concentrations of C, O and the major biochar macroelements. Because of biochar good sorption ability, its application in green infrastructures and associated nature-based solutions consisting of green roofs, green walls or constructed wetlands, could help mitigate the amount of organic micropollutants in greywaters and improve wastewater management in cities and rural areas. The study outcomes reflected and supported suggested solution for biochar implementation in green infrastructures as greywater treatment.

Keywords

biochar, greywater, pharmaceuticals, green infrastructures, adsorption, green roofs

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 29. 6. 2020

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: Adam Jan Sochacki

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta životního prostředí

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Inženýrská ekologie / Nature Conservation