Efficient mercury removal and neutralization of wastewater using European beech charcoal

Abstract

This investigation aimed to produce, characterize, and apply European beech (Fagus silvatica) charcoal for wastewater treatment. The results showed that beech charcoal has high thermal stability and carbon content. Elemental analysis results indicated that beech charcoal has a high potassium content. The surface of beech charcoal was rough. The morphology from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images demonstrated that beech charcoal is a highly porous material, with small cavities connected to large cavities. Beech charcoal was worked as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment from the Borska river. The results indicated that beech charcoal could efficiently remove mercury and neutralize the pH of wastewater in wastewater with high acidity and alkalinity.