Title: Assessing performance of atenolol removal from contaminated water using zero-valent iron impregnated apricot stone biochar
Authors: Milan Z. Momčilović, Danijela Bojić, Aleksandra Nešić, Slađana Meseldžija, Shuai Chen, Hao Dong, Aleksandar Lj. Bojić
DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2025.104777
Date: 2025-11-11
Working Group: WG3
Grant Period: /
Grant Period Goal (number): GAPG-5
Covered deliverables from the MoU (number): 3.3.2. (Analysis of metal clusters interaction with biologically relevant molecules and involved reactivity)
Countries involved: Serbia, China
Number of female/young/ITC coauthors: 2
Is the publication open access?: No
Is the publication co-lead by a YRI?: No
Abstract: This study investigates the performance of zero-valent iron (ZVI) impregnated apricot stone-derived biochar
(ZVI/ASB) for the removal of atenolol (ATL), a widely detected pharmaceutical pollutant, from contaminated
water. The biochar was synthesized at pyrolysis temperatures of 800, 900, and 1000 ◦C, with ZVI/ASB-800
exhibiting the highest sorption capacity due to its superior textural properties, including a Brunauer-EmmettTeller (BET) surface area of 1162 m2/g and a well-developed porous structure. Characterization techniques
such as X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) confirmed the successful incorporation of ZVI and the material’s enhanced physicochemical
properties. Batch sorption experiments evaluated the effects of pH, sorbent dosage, stirring speed, and initial ATL
concentration, with optimal conditions identified at pH 9, a dosage of 0.75 g/L, and a stirring speed of 250 rpm.
The sorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The maximum
experimental sorption capacity reached 129 mg/g, demonstrating competitive performance compared to com
mercial sorbents. Reusability tests showed a retention of 73.2 % removal efficiency after five cycles, highlighting
the material’s considerable stability. These findings underscore the potential of ZVI/ASB-800 as a cost-effective
and sustainable sorbent for pharmaceutical pollutant removal, leveraging agricultural waste for environmental
remediation.
