Surface and Adsorption Characteristics of Black Carbon from Different Sources

Two black carbon (BC) samples, new BC and soil BC isolated from the burning residues and soil repectively, were characterized for their surface areas, surface acidity, zero point of charge, and adsorption capacity for metal (Cu) and organic pollutant (oxytetracycline). Compared with new BC, soil BC had a low surface area but a high surface acidity and thus a low isoelectric point. Soil BC had a stronger capacity for adsorbing Cu(II), but less for oxytetracycline. This study demonstrated that BC may be an important adsorbent of heavy metals and organic pollutants in soil, and the adsorption capacity of BC may be significantly influenced by soil environmental conditions where BC was formed.