Efficacy of biochar in removal of organic pesticide, Bentazone from watershed systems

The efficacy of the biochar produced from waste biomass for removal of Bentazon, one of the most toxic insecticide used to control forest tent caterpillar moths, boll weevils, gypsy moths, and other types of moths in various field crops is investigated. Char was produced by pyrolysis process under limited oxygen conditions at different temperatures and was characterized by proximate and ultimate analysis, SEM analysis, FTIR analysis, TG/DTA analysis etc. Adsorption capacity of the same was assessed in removing the Bentazon from aqueous solutions. Effect of time, adsorbent dosage, pH and Initial insecticide concentration on the adsorption capacity of the biochar produced was discussed. The optimum values are obtained by CCD (Central Composite Design) using desirability function. This study indicated that the biochar produced from the waste biomass could be a potential source for removing synthetic organic pollutants from the water streams.