Coconut charcoal: powerful water decontaminant

To prevent the wasteful disposal of coconut shells in landfills or the environment, researchers at the Fluminense Federal University (UFF) have sought a solution that not only repurposes this residue but also contributes to purifying the water consumed by the population.

Green coconuts. Photo: Nipanan Lifestyle/Unsplash

In his PhD thesis, researcher Bruno Salarini Peixoto, under the guidance of Professor Marcela de Moraes from the UFF Institute of Chemistry, has developed a cost-effective and efficient technique to convert green coconuts into magnetic charcoal, which can be used as a powerful decontaminant.

Moraes explains that the process begins by transforming the coconut into biochar through controlled combustion. Subsequently, an activation process is employed, and magnetic nanoparticles are added to the product.

This resulting magnetic biochar possesses the ability to adsorb and attract contaminants from water, effectively removing them.

Moreover, due to its magnetization, the charcoal can be easily separated from the water by using magnets once it has adsorbed the pollutants.

According to her, the magnetic removal of charcoal from water is a more economical alternative to traditional filtration methods.

The significance of magnetic biochar becomes even more apparent when considering its potential role in water treatment plants for eliminating drug residues, including antibiotics.

The charcoal can be introduced directly into water treatment tanks or installed in pipes through which the treated water flows after leaving the treatment plant. (Agência Brasil)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Octopuses adjust to cold by editing their RNA

Octopuses use RNA editing to rapidly respond to environmental temperature changes by altering protein function.

Lights could be the future of the internet and data transmission

Fast data transmission could be delivered in homes and offices through light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, complementing existing communication technologies and networks.

Oxygen ‘holes’ could hold the key to higher performing EV batteries

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding and overcoming the challenges associated with nickel-rich materials used in lithium-ion batteries.

Layers of self-healing electronic skin realign autonomously when cut

Advance presages a new era of prosthetics wrapped in self-healing synthetic materials.

Deep brain stimulation during sleep strengthens memory

The researchers found that targeted deep brain stimulation during a critical time in the sleep cycle improved memory consolidation.

Indian rice variety shows promise for people with diabetes

A scented rice variety grown in India’s remote northeast, known as Joha rice, not only prevents type 2 diabetes but is also rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which work against heart disease.