Studies of biochar prepared with different temperatures on sorption of urban wastes leachate

The aim of this study is to appraise raffia palm trunk (RPT) biochar prepared with different temperatures on sorption of urban leachate. Biochar used in this study was produced from RPT at three different temperatures (350 °C, 550 °C and 750 °C) while leachate used in this study was collected from two urban wastes dump locations in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria using standard procedure. The pH level of leachate before treatment was found to be acidic while the dissolve oxygen (DO) of leachate was found to be very low. Leachate treatment with RPT-derived elevated the level of pH from acidic region to alkaline region while the dissolve oxygen (DO) received a decrease. Total dissolve solid (TDS) increase after leachate treatment. Interactions of biochar with leachate also decline the concentration of nitrate and phosphate. The COD (chemical oxygen demand) and BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) of leachate before remediation were found to be above the recommended range set by EPA. The level of COD and BOD after treatment was found to decrease as the pyrolysis of RPT biochar increases. Biochar contact with leachate also revealed a decline in Poisonous metals level as the pyrolysis temperature of biochar increases from 350 to 750 °C. Therefore, this research has shown that green and sustainable RPT biochar produced at 750 °C displayed a remarkable reduction of over 75% of non-degradable contaminants, poisonous metals and 37% biodegradable organic contaminants of dumpsites leachate.