In recent years the use of sulfonamides (synthetic antibiotics) has expanded largely, to the point where large quantities of the drug reach the environment through human and animal excretions and wastewater. Most of the drug is released into the environment in its original form, which remains for long periods causing bioaccumulation and posing a threat to environmental pollution. It is very important to use improved soil components in the stormwater management facilities that can promote pollutant trapping. This study aims to evaluate the adsorption efficiency of sulfamethazine using waste derived biochar. The waste derived biochar was produced using waste biomasses through the furnace with different temperatures. The Department of Public Work in Baltimore City provided wastewater sludge collected from Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant (Baltimore City, MD). The sulfonamide used in this study was sulfamethazine, commonly used in animal husbandry. The solution was added into vials containing biochar and filtrated samples were analyzed for sulfamethazine to evaluate the immobilization of this substance. Variations in concentrations, time, and pH, were used to evaluate the adsorption characteristics.
.jpg "DongHee Kang, n/a photo")