مهدیه امیری نژاد

In this study, biochar modified with sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs@BC) was synthesized in terms of providing a low-cost adsorbent for cadmium and lead adsorption. Morphology and structure of SNPs@BC were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). And also, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the thermal stability of the synthesized adsorbent. The results indicated that the biochar surface was successfully coated with sulfur nanoparticles and could improve its performance as a soil amendment or an adsorbent. Cadmium and lead adsorption studies on SNPs@BC exhibited high Langmuir cadmium (97 mg/g) and lead (99 mg/g) adsorption capacity, and heavy metal toxicity can be reduced by adsorption of cadmium and lead on SNPs@BC. The seed germination rate and seedling growth in cadmium-lead adsorbed SNPs@BC were the same as in the cadmium-free and lead-free control groups. This study suggests that SNPs@BC can be used as an efficient and eco-friendly sorbent for heavy metal removal.