Q2. What contributions have the authors mentioned in the paper "Engineered biochar - a sustainable solution for the removal of antibiotics from water" ?
In this paper, the authors discuss the problem of antimicrobial resistance ( AMR ) in bacteria and the role of antibiotics in this problem.
Q3. What future works have the authors mentioned in the paper "Engineered biochar - a sustainable solution for the removal of antibiotics from water" ?
Therefore, it is of key importance to conduct further research aimed at identifying the binding mechanisms for various antibiotics. On the basis of such knowledge, it will be possible to “ match ” as best as possible an adsorbent with an antibiotic, and to create so-called “ tailored ” materials with enhanced performance.
Q4. What can be done to promote n– EDA interactions with the TC molecule?
Hydroxyl groups (–OH) or ionized moieties (–O-) present on the BC surface can act as electron donors promoting n–π EDA interactions with the TC molecule.
Q5. What is the main source of antibiotic pollution in the environment?
The liquid phase (excretions, e.g., urine, wastewater) is usually the primary source of antibiotic pollution in the environment [26].
Q6. Why are BCs used for the removal of compounds of different origins?
Owing to their porous structure, significant SBET, presence of functional groups, and wide modification possibilities, BCs are used for the removal of compounds of different origins, i.e., inorganic (e.g., phosphate and nitrate anions, heavy metal cations) and organic (e.g., dyes; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); volatile organic compounds (VOCs); pesticides; and drugs belonging to various classes, including antibiotics) [109].
Q7. How did the researchers test the composite’s TC removal efficiency?
The researchers tested the composite’s regeneration ability; after five cycles, the TC removal efficiency remained at a high level of 90%.
Q8. What was the effect of the loss of the catalytic ability of the nZVI?
After three cycles, the efficiency of SMT removal by BC–nZVI decreased by 38% owing to the loss of the catalytic ability by the nZVI particles.
Q9. What is the effect of adsorption on the concentration of antibiotics in soils and?
As a result of adsorption and interactions with solid particles, the concentrations of antibiotics are higher in soils and bottom sediments than in water.
Q10. What is the role of adsorption in the case of BCs with high poros?
It can be inferred that for this type of material (high porosity), the process of TC adsorption is related to the pore filling mechanism, which is also linked to interactions involving oxygen functional groups, i.e., hydrogen bonding or electrostatic interactions.
Q11. What is the disadvantage of using clay minerals in a fixed-bed system?
Another limitation of using clay minerals in a fixed-bed system is the poor water flowability of some clay minerals, especially in case of the swellable 2:1 type (one alumina octahedron is sandwiched between two silica tetrahedral structures) clay minerals such as montmorillonite [167,168].
Q12. What is the effect of the SMX degradation on the adsorption of the composite?
The SMX degradation efficiency was observed to decline (66%), which was explained by competition of the ions with the composite surface and by inhibition of the photocatalysis as a result of the reaction of their •OH and (h+) radicals.
Q13. What are the main factors that determine the type and efficiency of a specific process?
The type and efficiency of a specific process depends on many factors, predominantly on the composition and physicochemical properties of the adsorbent and antibiotic, as well as on the application conditions.
Q14. What was the result of the presence of iron compounds in the composite?
A consequence of the presence of iron compounds in the composite was a 300% increase in TC adsorption capacity compared with unmodified BC.
Q15. How many different antibiotics were detected in fish and crustaceans in the period 2008–2018?
In the case of China, 20 different antibiotics, including 12 prohibited for use in aquaculture, were detected in aquatic products (fish, mollusks, and crustaceans ) over the period 2008–2018 [72,73].
Q16. What are the mechanisms responsible for the adsorption of antibiotics on biochar composites?
As a consequence, among the mechanisms responsible for the adsorption of antibiotics on this type composites, the greatest contributors may be pore filing, interactions with oxygen groups, as well as hydrophobic and π – π interactions resulting from the structure both carbon materials.
Q17. What was the effect of the enhanced TC adsorption on BC?
In this case, the enhanced TC adsorption was associated with an increase in porosity parameters and with the pore filling mechanism (and to a lesser extent this was related to interactions with functional groups located on the BC surface).
Q18. What are the benefits of biochar for antibiotic removal?
The use biochar for antibiotic sorption yields economic and environmental benefits • Biochar-based materials are effective in removing antibiotics from water solutions •
Q19. What pH was the effective for TC and SMX?
The adsorption of both TC and SMX was dependent on solution pH, and was most effective at pH 6 and 4, respectively, forTC and SMX.