Biochar-Based Electrochemical Degradation System for Removing Pharmaceutical Pollutants from Aqueous Media as Potential Wastewater Treatment

The occurrence of pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic matrices has been reported as an increasing concern around the world. Sustainable and feasible water treatment technologies are necessary to mitigate water pollution. In this study, we developed an environmentally friendly biochar electro-degradative system using biomass derived through green technologies. The system demonstrated exceptional removal efficiency, achieving over 99% removal of acetaminophen, sulindac, and carbamazepine following biochar electro-degradative treatment. Similar results were achieved from the mixture of the three compounds. The biochar column reusability confirmed the system stability, even after repeating the degradation cycles. Our findings highlight the potential of this novel electro-degradative system as an effective solution for the removal of pharmaceutical residues from wastewater.