Biochar compared with activated granular carbon for landfill leachate treatment

Abstract

The aim of the research was to compare the effectiveness of sorption of pollutants from landfill leachate on two granulated activated carbons (AG and BA-10) and biochar (BC). The sorption process of wastewater components on activated carbons was carried out under static conditions for 72 hours. The doses of adsorbents used varied from 2–8 g·dm-3. Results of removing of COD were estimated on the base of adsorption capacity and COD removal efficiency. After 72 h of the process at the highest doses (8 g·dm-3), the COD removal rate ranged from 40% (BA-10) to 60% (AG). In the case of biochar, the COD adsorption rate was 53% The state of sorption equilibrium takes a similar character for BC and AG and is determined after 4 h. The degree of sorption of selected metals from landfill leachate using the analyzed range ranged from 84% to 96% depending on its type.