A Short Review: Phosphorus-Based Compounds Removal using Biomass-Derived Activated Carbon in Domestic Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is a finite yet essential nutrient that plays a critical role in plant growth and ecosystem sustainability. However, excessive discharge of P into aquatic environments leads to eutrophication, posing significant environmental challenges. Despite advances in wastewater treatment, efficient P removal from domestic wastewater remains complex due to its diverse chemical forms and interactions in aqueous systems. Conventional biological P removal processes typically require multiple treatment stages, resulting in operational complexity, large footprints, and extended hydraulic retention times that may compromise overall efficiency. Adsorption using activated carbon has emerged as a promising alternative owing to its operational simplicity, effectiveness, and cost efficiency. Recent research trends have shifted from coal-based activated carbon, derived from non-renewable resources, toward more sustainable and economically viable biomass-derived activated carbon. Nevertheless, comprehensive evaluations specifically addressing P removal and recovery performance using activated carbon synthesized from various biomass precursors remain limited. This review critically examines recent developments in P adsorption employing biomass waste-derived activated carbon. The performance of different biomass precursors is comparatively analysed in terms of adsorption capacity, removal efficiency, and operational parameters. Key findings are systematically tabulated to facilitate direct comparison and identify research trends and limitations. By synthesizing current knowledge, this work highlights the potential of biomass-derived activated carbon as a sustainable and environmentally responsible strategy for phosphorus removal and recovery, contributing to the advancement of resilient wastewater treatment systems.