Production of Biochar from Marine Algae and Its Use in the Treatment of Industrial Effluent

In the present era, the widespread issue of environmental pollution poses a substantial global challenge. Industrial effluent, containing a range of organic and inorganic pollutants, poses significant hazards to both aquatic ecosystems and human health if released into water bodies. Hence, it is essential to subject these effluents to treatment in order to eradicate or, at the very least, reduce the levels of pollutants present in industrial wastewater (WW) before releasing it into the raw water. Various approaches were explored for WW treatment, with the adsorption technique utilizing biochar derived from marine algae emerging as the most promising method. This method has emerged as a highly promising and sustainable solution owing to several key factors. The availability of marine algae as a renewable resource, coupled with the cost-effectiveness and operational simplicity of producing biochar, enhances the attractiveness of this approach. Furthermore, the implementation of biochar in industrial effluent treatment yields nontoxic byproducts, contributing to the overall sustainability of the process. Through an in-depth examination of the production processes, operational considerations, and case studies illustrating the successful implementation of marine algae-derived biochar in industrial effluent treatment, this chapter provides valuable insights into the promising realm of eco-friendly and economically viable solutions for mitigating the adverse environmental impacts of industrial activities.