The utilization of
high-efficiency adsorption materials to reduce
cadmium pollution in aquatic environments is the focus of current
environmental remediation research. Straw waste and sludge, which
are available in huge amounts, can be best utilized in the preparation
of environmental remediation materials. In this study, six types of
biochar (SBC, CBC, DBC, SD1BC, SRDBC, and SCDBC) were prepared from straw and sludge by co-pyrolysis,
and their cadmium adsorption mechanisms were explored. Cd(II) adsorption
isotherms and kinetics on the biochar were determined and fitted to
different models. Kinetic modeling was used to characterize the Cd(II)
adsorption of biochar, and findings revealed the process of sorption
followed pseudo-second-order kinetics (R
2 > 0.96). The Langmuir model accurately represented the isotherms
of adsorption, indicating that the process was monolayer and controlled
by chemical adsorption. SCDBC had the highest capacity
for Cd(II) adsorption (72.2 mg g–1), 1.5 times greater
than that of sludge biochar, and 3 times greater than that of corn
straw biochar. As the pH level rose within the range of pH 5.0 to
7.0 and the ionic strength decreased, the adsorption capacity experienced
an increase. SCDBC contained CaCO3 mineral crystals
before Cd(II) adsorption, and CdCO3 was found in SCDBC after adsorbing Cd(II) via X-ray diffraction analysis;
the peak of Cd could be observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
after the adsorption of Cd(II). The possible adsorption of Cd(II)
by SCDBC occurred primarily via surface complexation with
active sorption sites, precipitation with inorganic anions, and coordination
with π electrons. Collectively, the study suggested that the
six types of biochar, particularly SCDBC, could be used
as highly efficient adsorbents for Cd(II) removal from aquatic environments.