Cobalt-impregnated biochar (Co-SCG) for heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate for removal of tetracycline in water.

Cobalt-impregnated spent coffee ground biochar (Co-SCG) was synthesized and applied for tetracycline (TC) removal from water. The results showed that Co-SCG biochar exhibited marked adsorption capacity and catalyst activity. The maximum adsorption capacity of Co-SCG biochar toward TC was 370.37 mg g-1. TC was almost completely degraded in 25 min with a rate constant of 17.78 × 10-2 min-1 under the following optimal condition: TC concentration of 0.2 mM, PMS concentration of 0.6 mM, Co-SCG dosage of 100 mg L-1, and pH of 7.0. Co-SCG was characterized for surface properties by SEM, TEM, HRTEM, and BET. The concentration of 16 PAHs in Co-SCG biochar was studied also. Results demonstrated that Co-SCG was an effective eco-friendly material for the removal of tetracycline from water.