A framework for the investigation of biowaste materials as potential adsorbents for water treatment

In this paper, a framework for the evaluation of biowaste materials for use in adsorption is presented. The aim is to develop a meticulous and systematic approach to evaluate the use of these materials in water treatment. Biowaste materials have the potential to contribute to the reuse and recycle of wastewater by removing pollutants. The framework included four main stages which were outlined and discussed in details. The framework focused on attributing contaminant removal to specific mechanisms, optimizing the removal/adsorption process, operating a continuous flow adsorption column, and investigating the potential for process scale-up and industrialization/commercialization. The framework was applied to the case study of using eggshells in removing lead from industrial wastewater and results show that the framework adequately outlines the necessary steps. Future studies on biowaste materials and their use as adsorbents can help improve on the framework.