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New Framework Identifies Sustainable Water Treatment Adsorbents for Net-Zero Goals

Kyung Hee University researchers develop framework for sustainable water treatment adsorbents using pine bark. Dual-activated bio-carbon shows high efficiency with low emissions, supporting net-zero water purification goals.

This research matters because it addresses a critical gap in sustainable water treatment technology. Traditional adsorbents like coal-derived activated carbons contribute significantly to carbon emissions through energy-intensive production processes, undermining environmental goals even as they clean water. The study's integrated framework provides a practical solution by evaluating materials based on both their contaminant removal effectiveness and their full environmental lifecycle impact. For communities and industries worldwide, this means more sustainable water purification options that don't trade one environmental problem for another. As water scarcity and quality concerns grow globally, this approach enables the development of truly sustainable treatment materials that align with climate commitments while maintaining high performance standards. The framework's emphasis on end-of-life scenarios and regeneration potential further supports circular economy principles, reducing waste and resource consumption in water treatment systems that serve millions of people daily.