Synthesis and Characterization of Adsorbent Biochar/MnFe 2 O 4 Composite from Agricultural Residue for Wastewater Treatment

Agriculture residue is produced every year in millions of tons worldwide and can be used as cheaper and environmentally friendly adsorbent. Herein, the biochar was synthesized by pyrolysis from coconut hull, corncob, rice husk, peanut hull and wheat straw. Total organic carbon was determined by standard TC-IC method, i.e., for Wheat Straw was found 20% highest among others agricultural residue and selected for biochar/MnFe 2 O 4 composite synthesis. FTIR spectroscopy showed a band at 630 cm −1 that confirms the presence of MnFe 2 O 4 . BET surface analysis data showed the average specific surface area of biochar in the range of (4.3–79.389 m 2 g −1 ). The surface area of biochar/MnFe 2 O 4 composite was 149.96 m 2 g −1 , which was highest of all synthesized biochar’s. Adsorption study was carried out by using a specified amount of biochar for the specified time in a 50 ml wastewater sample of known chemical oxygen demand (COD) value. Biochar/MnFe 2 O 4 adsorbent composite showed greater COD reducing the capacity of 70% than that of biochar produced without the formation of precipitates of MnFe 2 O 4 . The combination of various appealing attributes including cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and good COD reducing ability makes adsorbent a good option to be used in industrial applications specifically in the field of water treatment.