(231c) Exploring Hydrothermal Carbonization of Exotic Fruit Hydrochars for Acesulfame-K and Carbamazepine Removal from Water

The sustainable management of waste is a global challenge, with organic waste in landfills generating pollutants. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) offers a promising solution. This study investigates hydrochars from mango, mangosteen, African oil palm, and moringa for removing Acesulfame-K and Carbamazepine from water via adsorption. The research focuses on characterizing these materials, evaluating their adsorptive capacities, and exploring alternative applications. Results show that biomass type and particle size, rather than dosage, significantly influence the adsorption process. Oil palm and mangosteen are identified as superior adsorbents. Physicochemical and electrical analyses confirm cellulose presence, indicating the potential of hydrochars for pollutant removal and as dielectric and insulating materials.