Engineered Coal Char Adsorbent for Phosphate Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Environmental phosphorus pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial effluents leads to eutrophication and soil fertility depletion, necessitating effective adsorbents for phosphate removal and soil rejuvenation.
Innovation Solution
Engineered coal-based lignite adsorbents with increased surface area and impregnated Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions are used to treat wastewater and rebuild soil fertility by adsorbing phosphates and other nutrients, offering a low-cost, environmentally friendly solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pyrolyzed lignite coal is used as an adsorbent, then phosphate uptake capacity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling pyrolysis temperature (500-900°C) and duration to transform lignite coal into activated carbon with enhanced porous structure and surface area, thereby improving phosphate adsorption capacity while managing manufacturing complexity through optimized process parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite materials by impregnating pyrolyzed lignite coal with metal ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+) to form composite adsorbents that combine the porous structure of activated carbon with the phosphate-binding capabilities of metal ions, enhancing uptake capacity while adding controlled complexity to the manufacturing process
2Area of stationary object
If surface area is increased through pyrolysis, then adsorption capacity is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by optimizing pyrolysis conditions (temperature, time, atmosphere) to achieve maximum surface area development at economically viable processing costs, transforming low-cost lignite coal into high-surface-area activated carbon
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive lignite coal as the starting material, which is abundant and low-cost, and transforms it through relatively simple pyrolysis into a disposable or regenerable adsorbent product that provides high surface area at low production cost
3Reliability
If metal ions are impregnated to enhance phosphate binding, then adsorption selectivity is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-impregnating the pyrolyzed lignite coal with metal ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+) before deployment, so that the adsorbent is pre-equipped with enhanced phosphate-binding sites, improving selectivity while simplifying operation during actual use
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The engineered coal-based lignite adsorbents demonstrate enhanced phosphate uptake capacity, effectively treating contaminated water and slowly releasing nutrients to improve soil fertility, addressing both water remediation and soil rejuvenation needs.
Implementation Method 1
The presently-disclosed subject matter provides adsorbents and methods for removing phosphates from water
Implementation Method 2
the impregnated pyrolyzed lignite coal further comprises impregnated Ca2+ and Mg2+
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are an adsorbent and method of treating water using the adsorbent. The adsorbent includes thermally- and chemically-treated lignite coal. The method includes contacting wastewater with the treated lignite coal.