Detoxification of fermentable broth with activated biocarbon resulting from pyrolysis of agroforestry residues.

Carbon-like materials from pyrolysis (<500°C) of agricultural leftovers (rice husks, eucalyptus sawdust and peach stones) were submitted to steam activation and the expected adsorbent properties evaluated by means of a chemical method (methylene blue) and physically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and surface area (BET). Batch experiments were carried out to check the pH effect on the adsorption of methylene blue, by evaluating the respective equilibrium isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin). The steam-activated biocarbons showed significant adsorbent capacity, which increased along with pH.