Magnetic biochar composite for water purification

Researchers have developed an advanced adsorbent derived from sugarcane bagasse-an abundant agricultural waste-by modifying it with magnetic Fe3O4-ZnO nanoparticles and a deep eutectic solvent (DES). The developed material demonstrates high efficiency in removing key water contaminants, including: Diclofenac (pharmaceutical pollutant), Cr(VI) (toxic oxyanion), and Pb(II) (heavy metal). It also exhibits significantly enhanced adsorption capacity compared to raw biochar and can be easily recovered due to its magnetic properties. It also offers a sustainable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly solution for water treatment.

This work highlights a versatile approach for designing multifunctional adsorbents capable of addressing complex water pollution challenges, with strong potential for real-world wastewater treatment applications.