Mercury (II) Removal From Stock Solutions Using Pulsed Electrochemical Technique Coupled With Biochar Adsorbent

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) in water bodies is a major environmental concern due to its high toxicity and bioaccumulation in the food chain. Conventional treatment methods have limited effectiveness in removing mercury. This study explores a combined approach involving pulsed electrooxidation (PEO) and biochar adsorption for enhanced Hg removal from synthetic water. Biochar, produced from agricultural waste, was optimized for efficient oxidation. Batch adsorption experiments evaluated the performance of the biochar adsorbent, analyzing factors such as dosage, contact time, and initial Hg concentration. The integration of PEO and biochar adsorption resulted in a synergistic enhancement of Hg removal from synthetic water. For maximum Hg removal effectiveness, the PEO approach was applied, using electrode spacings of 0.5 and 1 cm. The process's conductivity was increased by adding sodium chloride. The results indicated optimal removal efficiencies of 97.37% and 96.24% with PEO alone and 98.92% and 97.899% when PEO was combined with magnetic biochar for 0.5 cm and 1 cm electrode spacing, respectively. At pH of 6.03, 34.15 of minutes of reaction time, 1.55 g/L of magnetic biochar, 0.43 amps of current, 0.45 Kwh/m 3 , electric energy consumed, and 227 mg/L of mercury concentration, these results were collected. According to the results, mercury (II) be effectively removed from aqueous solutions by using a combination of PEO and biochar adsorption.