Environmental Comparison of Biochar and Activated Carbon for Tertiary Wastewater Treatment

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03239
• Publication Date: 2016-09-22T19:27:44Z
• Authors: Kyle A. Thompson; Kyle K. Shimabuku; Joshua P. Kearns; Detlef R. U. Knappe; R. Scott Summers; Sherri M. Cook
• Keywords: Biosolids

Micropollutants in wastewater present environmental and human health challenges. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) can effectively remove organic micropollutants, but PAC production is energy intensive expensive. Biochar adsorbents cost less sequester carbon; however, net benefits depend on biochar conditions treatment capabilities. Here, life cycle assessment was used to compare 10 impacts from the use of wood biochar, biosolids coal-derived sulfamethoxazole wastewater. Moderate capacity had four categories (smog, global warming, respiratory effects, noncarcinogenics) linked recovery sequestration, worse than two (eutrophication, carcinogenics). Low even larger for noncarcinogenics, exhibited five due dose requirements reach objective. Biosolids worst relative performance drying need supplemental adsorbent. Overall, moderate an environmentally superior alternative coal-based micropollutant removal wastewater, its offset a facility's footprint.