Efficient removal of aqueous Pb(II) ions by magnetic alginate composite microcapsules containing canola straw‐derived biochar as the reinforcing fillers

Abstract

With the rapid development of industry, water pollution caused by lead has caused great harm to human health. In this study, alginate is used as a base and blended with biochar to form calcium alginate hydrogel beads with high mechanical properties through ionic cross‐linking. Besides, the material (BC/MCAC) is prepared by the material (C‐γ‐Fe2O3) as a magnetizing agent and to remove lead. Then, a series of batch experiments and material characterizations are performed to evaluate the adsorption process of the material. The results show that the maximum adsorption capacity of BC/MCAC to Pb(II) is 211.6 mg g−1 at pH = 7. The adsorption process is well described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. This indicates that the lead adsorbed by BC/MCAC is a monolayer chemisorption that occurs on a uniform surface. After three regeneration cycles, BC/MCAC is found to retain 82.37% of the lead adsorption capacity and has good regeneration ability. Lead is removed by BC/MCAC mainly through the complexation of oxygen‐containing functional groups, electrostatic interaction, and ion exchange. BC/MCAC allows for more sustainable use of the wastes and is expected to be a new type of lead adsorbent for industrial wastewater.