Sargassum biomass-derived biochars for ibuprofen removal from water: Adsorption and kinetics

Water contamination, particularly in drinking water sources, presents a significant global challenge. In recent times, the widespread use of pharmaceuticals like ibuprofen has emerged as a concerning factor. Concurrently, the accumulation of Sargassum, a marine algae, along the Caribbean coastlines has caused severe socioeconomic and ecological impacts. To address the challenges posed by both pharmaceutical contamination and Sargassum accumulation, an innovative approach is proposed. This approach involves utilizing Sargassum biomass to create carbonaceous materials, which can effectively decontaminate water polluted with ibuprofen. Through batch adsorption experiments, these materials have demonstrated exceptional adsorption capacities, surpassing conventional adsorbents, with capacities of up to 21.7 mg g−1. Additionally, the kinetics of ibuprofen removal was investigated, revealing that the second-order model provides the best fit for the experimental data. The use of Sargassum-derived materials not only aligns with principles of the circular economy but also serves as a crucial solution for remediating water resources.