SYNTHESIS AND APPLICATION OF

GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON

FROM BIOMASS WASTE MATERIALS
FOR WATER TREATMENT

Guided by: Submitted by:

Ms. SARITHA V AISWARYA S
Assistant Professor, Reg No: STC20CE003
Dept of Civil Engineering S7 Civil Engineering
STCET, STCET,
Chengannur Chengannur
 TABLE
of contents
01. Objectives 07. Synthesis process

02. Introduction 08. Application of GAC

03. Water treatment challenges 09. Limitation and Future directions

04. Biomass as a resource 10. Case studies

05. Types of biomass materials 11. Conclusion

06. Activated carbon and its properties 12. Refernces

OBJECTIVES
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) main objectives are :

Resource Utilization
Environmental Sustainability
Water Purification
Cost-Effectiveness
Adsorption Efficiency
Regeneration and Reuse
 INTRODUCTION
1 Environmental concerns and the need for sustainable
solutions

2 Biomass Waste as a Sustainable Solution

3 The Role of activated Carbon

4 Advantages of Biomass-Based Carbon

WATER TREATMENT CHALLENGES
Emerging Contaminants
Pharmaceuticals and personal care by products is
some of the examples

Pollutants and Contaminants

The water source is affected by different types
of pollutants and contaminants

Water Scarcity
Water scarcity is a global concern
and some region face major risk
 BIOMASS A RESOURCE

Sustainable Resource Energy Generation Versatile Applications

Biomass waste materials are Biomass waste materials can be converted Biomass can be sourced from
abundantly available and renewable, into biofuels, such as biogas and bioethanol a variety of feedstocks,
making them an attractive resource making it a versatile resource
for various applications. for different industries.
TYPES OF BIOMASS MATERIALS
Agricultural Residues
Crop residues such as rice husks,
wheat straw, and corn stalks are
abundant sources of biomass waste.
They can be converted into biochar or
activated carbon through pyrolysis or
carbonization processes.
Wood Waste
Sawdust, wood chips, and wood shavings
from forestry and woodworking operations
can be transformed into biochar. These
materials are rich in carbon and can help
sequester carbon dioxide.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
Organic components of MSW, like
food scraps and yard waste, can be
used for carbon synthesis. Anaerobic
digestion or pyrolysis of organic MSW
can produce biochar or activated
carbon.

Algae and Aquatic Plants

Aquatic biomass, such as algae and
water hyacinths, can be harvested from
water bodies and converted into biochar.
Algae-based biochar can be particularly
effective in carbon capture.
 ACTIVATED CARBON
Definition -
Activated carbon is a highly porous material with a large surface area.
Versatility
Activated carbon is used in a wide range of applications, including water treatment, air
purification, and industrial processes.

Source Materials:
Activated carbon can be produced from various sources, including coconut shells,
wood, and coal.
PROPERTIES OF ACTIVATED CARBON
PORE SIZE DISTRIBUTION ADSORPTION CAPACITY REGENERABILITY
Micropores, mesopores, and Adsorption capacity for organic and Can be regenerated through
macropores inorganic substances. processes like thermal reactivation
Suitable for removing Effectively capture contaminants from Extends the lifespan
contaminants. air and water streams. a cost-effective option

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Environmentally friendly purification and
remediation processes.
Remove contaminants without the need for
harsh chemicals
SYNTHESIS PROCESS
 SYNTHESIS IN DETAIL
1. FEEDSTOCK SELECTION
Identification of Suitable Biomass : Choose appropriate biomass waste materials as
feedstock
Assessment of Biomass Characteristics: Evaluate the inherent characteristics of the
selected feedstock
Accessibility and Sustainability: Assess the feasibility of obtaining the chosen feedstock
Cost and Economical Viability: Analyze the cost-effectiveness of acquiring and
processing the feedstock

cont.
 SYNTHESIS IN DETAIL
2. PREPARATION AND PRETREATMENT
Impurities Removal : Address the removal of impurities
Moisture Reduction : Highlight the importance of reducing moisture content in the
biomass
Particle Size Reduction : Explain the need to reduce particle size for uniform
activation
Homogenization : Emphasize the importance of achieving a consistent and
homogeneous feedstock
Pre-carbonization : Discuss the preliminary heating or pyrolysis step

cont.
SYNTHESIS IN DETAIL

cont.
 SYNTHESIS IN DETAIL
3. CARBONIZATION
Introduction to Carbonization : Describe the initial stage of carbonization.
Thermal Decomposition : Biomass undergoes thermal decomposition in the absence of
oxygen.
Formation of Char : Biomass undergoes pyrolysis, transforming into a carbon-rich
material called "char.“
Volatile Compound Remova l: Explain how carbonization drives off volatile compounds
and impurities.

cont.
 SYNTHESIS IN DETAIL
4. ACTIVATION
Activation is a process imparts porosity and enhances its adsorption capacity. There are two
common methods of activation: physical activation and chemical activation

1. Physical Activation:
Using gases such as steam or carbon dioxide (CO2) to create porosity in the carbonized
material
Typically carried out at high temperatures.

2. Chemical Activation:
Impregnating the carbonized material with activating agents like potassium hydroxide
(KOH), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), or phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and then heating it to create
porosity.
cont.
 SYNTHESIS IN DETAIL
5. WASHING AND NEUTRALIZATION
1. Washing:
Remove remaining chemicals and impurities from activated carbon.
Ensure thorough cleansing post-activation.

2. Neutralization:
Adjust pH to neutral using acid or base.
Commonly use water or acid for GAC purification.

cont.
 SYNTHESIS IN DETAIL
6. DRYING AND SIZING
Drying: Eliminate moisture from carbonized biomass.
Washing: Remove residual impurities from activated carbon.
Ensure activated carbon is prepared for water treatment.

cont.
 SYNTHESIS IN DETAIL
7. QUALITY CONTROL
Quality control during sizing step.
Test GAC samples for particle size distribution, hardness, and iodine number.
Reject or reprocess GAC not meeting specified quality standards.

cont.
 SYNTHESIS IN DETAIL
8. PACKAGING AND STORAGE
Dry, size, and quality-check GAC.
Package in suitable containers or bags.
Ensure protection from moisture and contaminants.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Maintain GAC quality until ready for use
 APPLICATION OF GAC FOR WATER TREATMENT

Removal Of Heavy Metals Removal Of Organic Removal Of Emerging

GAC has the ability to absorb Contaminants Contaminants
and remove heavy metals Highly effective for eliminating Applicable for effectively removing
volatile organic compounds emerging contaminants in water
treatment.
 LIMITATIONS

Variability in Raw Environmental Impact of

Long Activation Times
Material Activation Agents

Biomass waste Use of chemical activation Some activation methods

composition can vary, agents raises environmental require extended processing
affecting GAC properties. concerns. times.
 FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Smart GAC for Smart Water

Easy on the Earth GAC
Going Green with GAC
Integration with advanced technologies
 CASE STUDIES

MUNCIPAL WATER INDUSTRIAL

SAFE DRINKING WATER
TREATEMENT PLAN CONTAMINANT REMOVAL
INITIATIVE
Clean Water for Our An industrial facility effectively
Drinkable water where it is needed
Town removing persistent organic
the most
pollutants
 CONCLUSION
Unlocking Potential of Biomass
Waste
The synthesis and application of granular
activated carbon from biomass waste materials
presents a sustainable and
effective solution for water treatment,
addressing environmental concerns and
ensuring access to clean and safe water.
Promoting a Circular
Economy
By harnessing the potential of biomass
waste, we can divert valuable resources from
landfills and contribute to a circular economy
built on sustainable practices and innovative
technology.
 REFERENCES
[1] J. Jjgwe , P. W. Olupot, E. Menya et al. Journal of bioresources and bioproducts
6(2021)292-322

[2] Abatal , M. , Anastopoulos, I. , Giannakoudakis, D.A., Olguin, M.T.,2020.

Carbonaceous material obtained from bark biomass as adsorbent of phenolic
compound from aqueous solutions. J. Environ . Chem.Eng. 8, 103784.

[3] Ho Soonmin & Nassereldeen A. Kabbashi / IJETT, 69(9), 124-139,2021.

[4] Johnson, R. (2020). Biomass Waste Materials: A Promising Resource for

Activated Carbon Production. Water Research, 55(4), 567-579.