INVESTIGATION OF ISOTHERM MODELS FOR THE ADSORPTIVE REMOVAL OF AMPICILLIN FROM SIMULATED SOLUTION USING GROUNDNUT SHELL BIOCHAR
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Management of waste is one of the most pressing challenges confronting humanity in this
century. Agricultural waste can be converted into valuable resources, contribute to energy
security, and support the circular economy. One of the cost-effective, eco-friendly, and
sustainable approaches for managing agricultural waste is by converting it to useful forms.
Biochar is a solid, charcoal-like, amorphous, and carbon-rich residue generated when biomass,
especially agricultural waste, is exposed to thermal and chemical degradation. In this research,
biochar from groundnut shell was used as an adsorbent for the removal of ampicillin from
simulated solution. The groundnut shells were airdried and pyrolysed for 3 hours at 600°C to
obtain the biochar. The effects of concentration and isotherms studies of the adsorption of
ampicillin onto the biochar were evaluated. It was observed that the percentage removal of
ampicillin decreases as the concentration increases until it attains equilibrium at higher
concentrations. The adsorption isotherms were also observed to be best fitted to Langmuir
adsorption isotherm. By leveraging agricultural waste materials like GNS, we can develop
sustainable and effective solutions for improving water quality and protecting public health
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