Sea Shell-Based Biochar for Efficient Fluoride Remediation

Abstract

Inequity in an access to safe drinking water results in negative impacts on education, health, and safety. This chapter examines the effective remediation of fluoride contamination in surface water by the use of biochar, a natural and renewable biomaterial derived from seashells. The capacity of the biomaterial to adsorb fluoride ions is enhanced by the high selectivity and surface porosity of the seashell-derived biochar. The biomaterial made from seashells has a lot of calcium carbonate, which can be converted to calcium oxide. The oxide has proved to have a potent affinity for fluoride ions and a good adsorption capability. Through pyrolysis, organic compounds are broken down into materials that are rich in carbon. The adsorption of fluoride ions by the sea shell biochar adsorbent is achieved through a sequence of processes, including, transportation, grinding, fluoride ion adsorption, and intraparticle diffusion. The sea shell-based biochar surface can also be improved through complexation with boric acid in the presence of sodium hydroxide.