Biosolids Reuse: Continuous Flow-Through Column Testing of Biosolids-Derived Biochar to Sorb Micropollutants

Trace organic compounds such as triclosan are commonly discharged to the environment in wastewater effluents and residual biosolids. Triclosan is of particular concern due to its biologically active nature, leading to its selection as a representative micropollutant in this study. Column adsorption experiments were conducted to determine the triclosan adsorption capacity of biosolids-derived biochar. The biosolids-derived biochar produced was successfully used to remove triclosan from synthetic and wastewater solutions. The biosolids-derived biochar adsorbed more triclosan than a wood-based biochar, but demonstrated less adsorptive capacity than commercial activated carbon.