Combined performance of biochar sorption and magnetic separation processes for treatment of chromium-contained electroplating wastewater

Magnetic biochar was prepared with eucalyptus leaf residue remained after essential oil being extracted. Batch experiments were conducted to examine the capacity of the magnetic biochar to remove Cr (VI) from electroplating wastewater and to be separated by an external magnetic field. The results show that the initial solution pH plays an important role on both sorption and separation. The removal rates of Cr (VI), total Cr, Cu (II), and Ni (II) were 97.11%, 97.63%, 100% and 100%, respectively. The turbidity of the sorption-treated solution was reduced to 21.8 NTU from 4075 NTU after 10 min magnetic separation. The study also confirms that the magnetic biochar still retains the original magnetic separation performance after the sorption process.