Biochar and activated carbon derivatives of lignocellulosic fibers towards adsorptive removal of pollutants from aqueous systems: Critical study and future insight

Abstract The enormous growth of industries and the increased release of untreated effluents containing emerging pollutants are major problems that contaminate the water resources. Current efforts are oriented towards developing cost-effective, eco-friendly alternatives to remove a wide range of water pollutants. This paper provides critical insight on various lignocellulosic fibers used for colored and wastewater decontamination. The potential of various agricultural waste materials and their adsorptive capacity of pollutants compared to activated carbon was discussed. Furthermore, an outline of the mathematical modeling describing the kinetics, isotherms, the type of adsorption, and the significant factors influencing the adsorption process were reported. Also, a discussion of the new trends proposed for valorizing vegetable materials in wastewaters decontamination was pointed out. The proposed mechanism for the surface-based adsorption of pollutants onto the lignocellulosic fiber surface was discussed. The challenges and future scope of research on the surface-based removal of pollutants were also discussed.