Characterization and use of commercial biochar for water purification in real case scenarios

Biochar has been proven to be a compelling adsorbent for contaminants  in water, however little data are available about real case histories. Moreover, such data are often related to biochar produced solely for the sake of research, this means biochar would not be readily available for actual commercial applications.  

The aim of the project is to employ commercial biochar for water purification in a real case study and test its viability as a pollutant adsorber. The chosen study area covers the surroundings of the decommissioned Malagrotta landfill in the Lazio region, Italy. The landfilling site, the largest in Europe, active from 1970 to 2013, has been the subject of numerous social and legal disputes throughout and after its operating period. 

At this stage, a chemical survey of the area’s surface water has been performed to determine its health and to evaluate remediation through biochar. Moreover, nine commercial biochar types produced in Italy and Europe have been characterized before and after experimentation to monitor structural, surface and physical-chemical properties. Post testing analyses are aimed at determining the effects of biochar’s interaction with water. Testing biochar in real case scenarios provides an assessment of its potential in an high added value application such as water purification and provides the constraints to achieve optimal performance.  

Future developments of the project build upon collected data and expertise to identify best practices for the valorisation of biochar as a contaminant adsorber.