Abstract
In this study, rice husk based biochar (RHB) prepared by simple, efficient and cost effective method. Then, RHB characterized by various techniques including Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. RHB used for the removal and adsorption of toluene from pharmaceutical wastewater. Toluene adsorption profile displayed an initial fast toluene uptake that reduced and reach equilibrium after two hours contact time at which up to 90 % toluene was taken by RHB from water. Kinetic data well fitted by using pseudo-second order models (R-2= 0.99), which representing that chemisorption mechanism. Langmuir equation fitted well equilibrium data at all RHB dosage and maximum adsorption capacity was 108 mg/g. These findings suggest that the RHB is efficient toluene adsorbent and it possess good potential for toluene removal in wastewater treatment.