Leonardite-Derived Biochar Suitability for Effective Sorption of Herbicides

Water, Air, & Soil Pollution volume 232, Article number: 36 (2021) Cite this article

Abstract

Leonardite (LND) and its biochar have gained much attention as it can improve soil quality and immobilize herbicides in the subsurface. Our objective was to quantify the herbicide adsorption characteristics of carbonized LND (cLND). The physiochemical properties were compared side by side between LND and cLND at different pyrolysis temperatures (450–850 °C). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectral analysis confirmed the loss of oxygen-containing functional groups such as H-bonded OH, carbonyl, or C=O and the presence of the aromatic C=C group up to 650 °C. Both of which were later used to establish the governing adsorption mechanism. At >450 °C, the Si content decreased slightly and the calcium content increased, indicating proper use of cLND for Si-deficit soil and acidified soil. By conducting multiple linear regression analyses, the atrazine adsorption kinetic fitted well with pseudo-second-order models while both alachlor and atrazine sorption behavior were well described using a monolayer isotherm (Langmuir and Jovanovich, respectively). The herbicide hydrophilicity slightly affected the sorption mechanism which indirectly resulted from the existence of graphitic carbon on the LND carbonized at a higher temperature. Increased cLND in the soil resulted in much better improvement in the water holding capacity than from LND due to the presence of sufficient mesopores and adequate surface porosity. Our results showed that LND can be readily transformed into better adsorbing biochar at 550 °C compared to higher temperatures. Overall, the study provided a better understanding of the application of leonardite derived-biochar as an effective alternative soil amendment and herbicide-immobilizing adsorbent.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

US$ 39.95

Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

References

  1. Ali, I., & Gupta, V. K. (2006). Advances in water treatment by adsorption technology. Nature Protocols, 1(6), 2661–2667.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Ausavasukhi, A., Kampoosaen, C., & Kengnok, O. (2016). Adsorption characteristics of Congo red on carbonized leonardite. Journal of Cleaner Production, 134506–134514.

  3. Bartenfelder, D. C., & Karathanasis, A. D. (1989). A differential scanning calorimetry evaluation of quartz status in geogenic and pedogenic environments. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 53(3), 961–967.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Braghiroli, F. L., Bouafif, H., Neculita, C., & Koubaa, A. (2018). Activated biochar as an effective sorbent for organic and inorganic contaminants in water. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 230, 229.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Chammui, Y., Sooksamiti, P., Naksata, W., Thiansem, S., & O-A, A. (2014). Removal of arsenic from aqueous solution by adsorption on Leonardite. Chemical Engineering Journal, 240, 202–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2013.11.083.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Chia, C., Gong, B., Joseph, S., Marjo, C., Munroe, P., & Rich, A. (2012). Imaging of mineral-enriched biochar by FTIR, Raman and SEM-EDX. Vibrational Spectroscopy, 62, 248–257.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Chiaramonti, D., Prussi, M., Nistri, R., Pettorali, M., & Rizzo, A. M. (2014). Biomass carbonization: process options and economics for small scale forestry farms. Energy Procedia, 61, 1515–1518.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Chokejaroenrat, C., Watcharenwong, A., Sakulthaew, C., & Rittirat, A. (2020). Immobilization of atrazine using oxidized lignite amendments in agricultural soils. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 231(5), 249.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Chun, Y., Sheng, G., Chiou, C. T., & Xing, B. (2004). Compositions and sorptive properties of crop residue-derived chars. Environmental Science & Technology, 38(17), 4649–4655.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Deng, H., Yu, H., Chen, M., & Ge, C. (2014). Sorption of atrazine in tropical soil by biochar prepared from cassava waste. BioResources, 9(4), 6627–6643.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Deng, H., Feng, D., He, J.-x., F-z, L., Yu, H.-m., & C-j, G. (2017). Influence of biochar amendments to soil on the mobility of atrazine using sorption-desorption and soil thin-layer chromatography. Ecological Engineering, 99, 381–390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2016.11.021.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. EPPO, (2020). Energy Policy and Planning Office, Ministry of Energy of Thailand, Coal/lignite: production, consumption and import. http://www.eppo.go.th/index.php/en/en-energystatistics/coal-and-lignite [Accessed 4th June 2020].

  13. Escudey, M., Díaz, P., Galindo, G., & Chang, A. C. (1999). Differential thermogravimetric analysis of oxalate in hydrogen peroxide-treated allophanic soils. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 30(7–8), 937–946.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Fan, Q., Cui, L., Quan, G., Wang, S., Sun, J., Han, X., Wang, J., & Yan, J. (2018). Effects of wet oxidation process on biochar surface in acid and alkaline soil environments. Materials (Basel, Switzerland), 11, 2362. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11122362.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Gao, Y., Jiang, Z., Li, J., Xie, W., Jiang, Q., Bi, M., & Zhang, Y. (2019). A comparison of the characteristics and atrazine adsorption capacity of co-pyrolysed and mixed biochars generated from corn straw and sawdust. Environmental Research, 172, 561–568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.010.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Gonzalez, J., Shipitalo, M., Smith, D., Warnemuende-Pappas, E., & Livingston, S. (2016). Atrazine sorption by biochar, tire chips, and steel slag as media for blind inlets: a kinetic and isotherm sorption approach. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 8, 1266–1282.

  17. Hemaviboon, K., & Klamtet, J. (2020). Removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution by adsorption on leonardite char. Naresuan University Journal: Science and Technology (NUJST), 28(1), 82–93. https://doi.org/10.14456/nujst.2020.8.

  18. Ho, Y.-S. (2006). Isotherms for the sorption of lead onto peat: comparison of linear and non-linear methods. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 15(1), 81–86.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Huang, H., Zhang, C., Zhang, P., Cao, M., Xu, G., Wu, H., Zhang, J., Li, C., & Rong, Q. (2018). Effects of biochar amendment on the sorption and degradation of atrazine in different soils. Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal, 27, 643–657. https://doi.org/10.1080/15320383.2018.1495691.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Kruger, E. L., Somasundaram, L., Coats, J. R., & Kanwar, R. S. (1993). Persistence and degradation of [14C]atrazine and [14C]deisopropylatrazine as affected by soil depth and moisture conditions. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 12(11), 1959–1967.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Li, S., Lü, J., Zhang, T., Cao, Y., & Li, J. (2017). Relationship between biochars' porosity and adsorption of three neutral herbicides from water. Water Science and Technology, 75(2), 482–489.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Lin, Y., Munroe, P., Joseph, S., Kimber, S., & Van Zwieten, L. (2012). Nanoscale organo-mineral reactions of biochars in ferrosol: an investigation using microscopy. Plant and Soil, 357, 369–380. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-012-1169-8.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Lu, Y., Chen, J., Zhang, J., & Fu, C. (2019). Kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic studies on the adsorption behavior of atrazine onto sheep manure-derived biochar. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 28(4), 2725–2733.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Lupul, I., Yperman, J., Carleer, R., & Gryglewicz, G. (2015). Adsorption of atrazine on hemp stem-based activated carbons with different surface chemistry. Adsorption., 21489-98.

  25. Major, J. (2010). Guidelines on practical aspects of biochar application to field soil in various soil management systems. https://www.biochar-international.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IBI_Biochar_Application.pdf [Accessed 14th November 2020].

  26. Manariotis, I. D., Fotopoulou, K. N., & Karapanagioti, H. K. (2015). Preparation and characterization of biochar sorbents produced from malt spent rootlets. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 54, 9577–9584. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.5b02698.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Mandal, A., Singh, N., & Purakayastha, T. J. (2017). Characterization of pesticide sorption behaviour of slow pyrolysis biochars as low cost adsorbent for atrazine and imidacloprid removal. Science of The Total Environment, 376–385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.204.

  28. McKay, G., Otterburn, M. S., & Sweeney, A. G. (1980). The removal of colour from effluent using various adsorbents—III. Silica: rate processes. Water Research, 14(1), 15–20.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Misra, D. N. (1973). Jovanovich adsorption isotherm for heterogeneous surfaces. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 43(1), 85–88.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Mohan, D., Sarswat, A., Ok, Y. S., & Pittman, C. U. (2014). Organic and inorganic contaminants removal from water with biochar, a renewable, low cost and sustainable adsorbent – A critical review. Bioresource Technology, 160, 191–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2014.01.120.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Moreno-González, R., Campillo, J. A., García, V., & León, V. M. (2013). Seasonal input of regulated and emerging organic pollutants through surface watercourses to a Mediterranean coastal lagoon. Chemosphere, 92, 247–257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.12.022.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Otowa, T., Tanibata, R., & Itoh, M. (1993). Production and adsorption characteristics of MAXSORB: high-surface-area active carbon. Gas Separation and Purification, 7(4), 241–245.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Papadopoulou-Mourkidou, E., Karpouzas, D. G., Patsias, J., Kotopoulou, A., Milothridou, A., Kintzikoglou, K., & Vlachou, P. (2004). The potential of pesticides to contaminate the groundwater resources of the Axios river basin in Macedonia, northern Greece. Part I. Monitoring study in the north part of the basin. Science of the Total Environment, 321(1–3), 127–146.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Quignot, N., Arnaud, M., Robidel, F., Lecomte, A., Tournier, M., Cren-olivé, C., Barouki, R., & Lemazurier, E. (2012). Characterization of endocrine-disrupting chemicals based on hormonal balance disruption in male and female adult rats. Reproductive Toxicology, 33(3), 339–352.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Rafiq, M., Bachmann, R., Rafiq, M. T., Shang, Z., Joseph, S., & Long, R. (2016). Influence of pyrolysis temperature on physico-chemical properties of corn stover (Zea mays L.) biochar and feasibility for carbon capture and energy balance. PLoS One, 11, e0156894. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0156894.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Rizwan, M., Zia-ur-Rehman, M., Ali, S., Abbas, T., Maqbool, A., Bashir, A. (2018). Biochar is a potential source of silicon fertilizer: an overview. in.

  37. Sakulthaew, C., Chokejaroenrat, C., Poapolathep, A., Satapanajaru, T., & Poapolathep, S. (2017). Hexavalent chromium adsorption from aqueous solution using carbon nano-onions (CNOs). Chemosphere, 184, 1168–1174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.06.094.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Soni, N., Leon, R., Erickson, J., Ferrell, J., & Silveira, M. (2015). Biochar decreases atrazine and pendimethalin preemergence herbicidal activity. Weed Technology, 29, 150304143135004. https://doi.org/10.1614/WT-D-14-00142.1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Sorrenti, G., Masiello, C. A., Dugan, B., & Toselli, M. (2016). Biochar physico-chemical properties as affected by environmental exposure. Science of the Total Environment, 563-564, 237–246.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Tan, I. A. W., Hameed, B. H., & Ahmad, A. L. (2007). Equilibrium and kinetic studies on basic dye adsorption by oil palm fibre activated carbon. Chemical Engineering Journal, 127(1–3), 111–119.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Tao, Y., Hu, S., Han, S., Shi, H., Yang, Y., Li, H., Jiao, Y., Zhang, Q., Akindolie, M., Ji, M., Chen, Z., & Zhang, Y. (2019). Efficient removal of atrazine by iron-modified biochar loaded Acinetobacter lwoffii DNS32. Science of The Total Environment, 682, 59–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.134.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Terdputtakun, A., Arquero, O.-A., Janhom, S., Sooksamiti, P., & Naksata, W. (2017). Adsorption characteristics of leonardite for removal of Cd(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solutions. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 8, 393–398. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijesd.2017.8.6.984.

  43. Thorpe, N., & Shirmohammadi, A. (2005). Herbicides and nitrates in groundwater of Maryland and childhood cancers: a geographic information systems approach. Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part C, Environmental Carcinogenesis & Ecotoxicology Reviews, 23(2), 261–278.

    Google Scholar 

  44. U.S. EPA, (2007). U.S. EPA, Toxicity and exposure assessment for children’s health: ATRAZINE chemical summary https://archive.epa.gov/region5/teach/web/pdf/atrazine_summary.pdf [Accessed 4th June 2020].

  45. Udiković-Kolić, N., Scott, C., & Martin-Laurent, F. (2012). Evolution of atrazine-degrading capabilities in the environment. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 96(5), 1175–1189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Wang, P., Liu, X., Yu, B., Wu, X., Xu, J., Dong, F., & Zheng, Y. (2020). Characterization of peanut-shell biochar and the mechanisms underlying its sorption for atrazine and nicosulfuron in aqueous solution. Science of The Total Environment, 702, 134767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134767.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  47. WHO, (2011). Background document for development of WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality: atrazine and its metabolites in drinking-water. http://origin.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/antrazine.pdf [Accessed 4th June 2020].

  48. Xiao, F., & Pignatello, J. J. (2015). Interactions of triazine herbicides with biochar: Steric and electronic effects. Water Research, 80, 179–188.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Yadav, A., Ansari, K. B., Simha, P., Gaikar, V. G., & Pandit, A. B. (2016). Vacuum pyrolysed biochar for soil amendment. Resource-Efficient Technologies, 2, S177–SS85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reffit.2016.11.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Yang, F., Gao, Y., Sun, L., Zhang, S., Li, J., & Zhang, Y. (2018). Effective sorption of atrazine by biochar colloids and residues derived from different pyrolysis temperatures. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25, 18528–18539. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-2077-0.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Yu, O. Y., Harper, M., Hoepfl, M., & Domermuth, D. (2017). Characterization of biochar and its effects on the water holding capacity of loamy sand soil: Comparison of hemlock biochar and switchblade grass biochar characteristics. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 36. https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.12592.

  52. Zeledón-Toruño, Z. C., Lao-Luque, C., de las Heras, F. X. C., & Sole-Sardans, M. (2007). Removal of PAHs from water using an immature coal (leonardite). Chemosphere., 67(3), 505–512.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Zengin, G. (2013). Effective removal of zinc from an aqueous solution using Turkish leonardite–clinoptilolite mixture as a sorbent. Environmental Earth Sciences, 70, 3031–3041. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-2364-5.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Zhang, J., Lü, F., Luo, C., Shao, L., & He, P. (2014). Humification characterization of biochar and its potential as a composting amendment. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 26, 390–397. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1001-0742(13)60421-0.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Zhao, S., Ta, N., & Wang, X. (2017). Effect of temperature on the structural and physicochemical properties of biochar with apple tree branches as feedstock material. Energies, 10, 1293. https://doi.org/10.3390/en10091293.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Zhou, F., Wang, H., Fang, S.e., Zhang, W., & Qiu, R. (2015). Pb(II), Cr(VI) and atrazine sorption behavior on sludge-derived biochar: role of humic acids. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 22(20), 16031–16039.

Download references

Acknowledgments

Dr. Kanitta Wongyai, a level 10 scientist from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) at the Mae Moh lignite mine, provided the leonardite raw material. Dr. Narong Chanlek, at BL5.3 station in the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization), offered valuable suggestions. Technical assistance was provided by Ms. Sidaporn Punya in the laboratory and by Mrs. Sunee Rittirat for agricultural soil sampling for the soil-water retention experiments.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Chainarong Sakulthaew

  2. School of Environmental Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

    Apichon Watcharenwong & Akira Rittirat

  3. Center of Excellence in Advanced Functional Materials, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

    Apichon Watcharenwong

  4. Department of Environmental Technology and Management, Faculty of Environment, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Chanat Chokejaroenrat

Authors
  1. Chainarong Sakulthaew
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Apichon Watcharenwong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Chanat Chokejaroenrat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Akira Rittirat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Chanat Chokejaroenrat.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

ESM 1

(DOCX 202 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Sakulthaew, C., Watcharenwong, A., Chokejaroenrat, C. et al. Leonardite-Derived Biochar Suitability for Effective Sorption of Herbicides. Water Air Soil Pollut 232, 36 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-020-04974-4

Download citation

Keywords

  • Adsorption
  • Depleted herbicide
  • Herbicide immobilization
  • Leonardite-derived biochar
  • Soil amendment