Use of Agroindustrial Materials as Activated Carbon Precursors for Caffeine Removal: Global Overview

Abstract

Objective: Prepare a global overview of agro-industrial residues used for activated carbon (CA) production, seeking caffeine removal of water bodies.   Theoretical reference: Aiming the adequate understand of involved processes, as well as each stage when adsorption occurred. The theoretical concepts might help to analyse how important is pollution of emerging contaminants in water bodies, as a current environmental problem.   Method: A data survey was developed in general perspective, using information from literature published in online repositories, such as Scopus and Science Direct, trough investigations that seek the use of agro-industrial residues for production of activated carbons and, also, their caffeine removal parameters analysis.   Results and conclusion: The analysis results of the different methodologies applied in studies for activated carbon production from agro-industrial residues, showed that good caffeine adsorption process and the adequate characteristics of each adsorbent material, depend on processes and conditions adopted by each researcher. In this way, the different studies here analysed showed the importance of using industry waste, helping to reduce waste volumes in landfills and, at the same time, the search for new technologies that could help to remove emerging contaminants, such as caffeine.   Originality/value: This study provides different basic and methodological concepts related to carbonization processes from agro-industrial waste, verified and studied by different authors for caffeine elimination; and also the importance of tracking new economical and environmentally friendly precursor materials.