Removel of Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) From Aqueous Solution by Biochars.

Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are emerging contaminants in the environment, which have received increasing concern due to their worldwide distribution, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation potential. Biochars converted from agricultural residues or other carbon-rich wastes may provide new solutions for environmental remediation of PFCs. In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted to compare the sorption ability of nine biochars (AC) and one activated carbon (AC) to remove PFCs from water. The effects of solution pH and ionic strengths on the removal of PFCs by the BCs and the AC were also investigated. Mathematical models including various adsorption kinetic models and isotherm models were used to aid in the data interpretation. Our results suggest that BCs can be used as alternative and low-cost adsorbents to PFCs from aquesous solutions.