Moringa Seed Cake Biochar: A Novel Binder for Sustainable Remediation of Lead-Contaminated Soil
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 149, Issue 10
Abstract
The present investigation applies the stabilization/solidification technique for lead (Pb)-contaminated soil remediation utilizing an organic binder to negate the environmental consequences caused by inorganic binders such as cement. This research synthesized novel biochar by slow pyrolysis of moringa seed cake or de-oiled cake (waste generated after oil recovery) and tested its physicochemical characteristics, which revealed that it possesses a high pH and abundant surface functional groups that can act as potential adsorption sites for lead. Furthermore, the effects of biochar content (0% to 10% w/w) and curing time on the stabilization of soil contaminated with Pb at a concentration of were evaluated. The toxicity characteristic leaching test showed that treatment with 10% w/w biochar and 28 days of curing reduced Pb leachability to regulatory limits with over 89% immobilization efficiency. Moreover, the soil strength and the pH increased steadily with the biochar content and curing time while maintaining stability after 56 to 90 days of curing. Microstructural characterization revealed the underlying mechanisms in effectively stabilizing lead in soil, including precipitation, surface complexation with functional groups (C═O, O═C─ O), and lead encapsulation in calcium silicate hydrates (C─ S─ H).
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The support of the University of Illinois Chicago, US and the National Institute of Technology Surat, India, for this collaborative project is gratefully acknowledged. The authors are thankful to Innova Engineering & Fabrication, Maharashtra, India, for their support in biochar production.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 149 • Issue 10 • October 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 29, 2023
Accepted: May 27, 2023
Published online: Jul 27, 2023
Published in print: Oct 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Dec 27, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Ashes
- Binders (material)
- Business management
- Chemical compounds
- Chemical elements
- Chemicals
- Chemistry
- Curing
- Engineering materials (by type)
- Environmental engineering
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Heavy metals
- Lead (chemical)
- Materials engineering
- Materials processing
- Mitigation and remediation
- Pollution
- Practice and Profession
- Soil cement
- Soil dynamics
- Soil mechanics
- Soil pollution
- Soil stabilization
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