Removal of PCDD/F from Incinerator Flue Gases by Entrained-Phase Adsorption

Abstract

The emission abatement of polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/F) issued from municipal solid waste incineration is growing in importance because of more stringent emission standards and general concern about their toxic characteristics. These substances cannot be separated by conventional gas cleanup processes but are successfully removed through adsorption onto carbonaceous materials. The simplest technique is the entrained-phase injection of pulverized adsorbents in the flue gas, followed by fabric filter separation. The various related techniques are briefly reviewed here. Operating conditions and results obtained from Flemish MSWIs are given. The results illustrate the excellent overall removal efficiency. Furans are adsorbed to a slightly higher extent than dioxins.

PCDD/F removal by carbonaceous adsorbents is thereafter modeled from first principles for the contribution of both entrained-phase (η₁) and cake filtration (η₂) to the overall efficiency (η_T). Application of the model equations and comparison of measured and predicted overall efficiencies for the Flemish municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) demonstrate that the approach is meaningful and that the dominant parameters are the operating temperature, the dosage and activity of adsorbent, and the fraction of adsorbent in the filter cake. The model equations enable the MSWI operators to predict the adsorption efficiencies for any combination of operating parameters and to assess the sensitivity of the process to varying operating conditions.     

The formation and emission of dioxins in large scale thermal processes

The paper assesses extensive data of PCDD/F measurements on flue gas emissions from thermal processes, including, e.g. municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs), combustors of wood and industrial waste, coal fired powerplants and boilers, ferro and non-ferro processes. Numerous investigators have conducted laboratory experiments to assess the formation mechanisms of PCDD/F. The results, obtained from fixed-bed experiments, have been critically evaluated and indicate that de novo synthesis is the dominant mechanism in actual thermal processes where conditions that favour the precursor formation are not experienced. The analysis of PCDD/F profiles from the large scale thermal processes in general, and MSWIs in particular, supports the dominant role of the de novo synthesis, irrespective of the type of thermal process considered. The PCDF/PCDD ratio exceeds 1 and the degree of chlorination points towards the dominant presence of HpCDD and OCDD within the dioxin group, and of PeCDF, HxCDF and HpCDF within the furan group. Since real-time measurement of PCDD/F is impossible, the correlation of PCDD/F emissions with operating parameters and/or emission levels of other more easily measured pollutants could be a tool in predicting the PCDD/F formation levels. Data of Flemish MSWIs were used to statistically assess such correlations. From an evaluation of the data at a given operating temperature, misleading conclusions can be drawn. Only the effect of temperature is evident. After converting all data at a reference temperature of, e.g. 230 degrees C, PCDD/F concentrations achieve nearly constant values, irrespective of the values of other parameters, thus stressing that the major controlling parameter for the PCDD/F emission is the temperature of the ESP. The PCDD/F concentrations increase with temperature in the range up to 280 degrees C. The ESP temperature should be kept preferably between 180 degrees C and 200 degrees C, where de novo synthesis is reduced and where PCDD/Fs are increasingly adsorbed on the fly ash, in line with the standard temperature dependence of adsorption isotherms.     

Dioxins and their fingerprint in size-classified fly ash fractions from municipal solid waste incinerators in China--mechanical grate and fluidized bed units

The distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), in brief dioxins, has seldom been addressed systematically in fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs). This study shows the amount and fingerprint of PCDD/Fs in fly ash from four different Chinese MSWIs, that is, three mechanical grate units and one circulating fluidized bed unit. In these fly ash samples, dioxins-related parameters (international toxic equivalent quantity, total amount of PCDD/Fs, individual isomer classes, and 17 toxic 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners) all tend to increase with decreasing particle size for mechanical grate incinerators, yet only for the finest fraction for fluidized bed units. Moreover, the fluidized bed incinerator seems superior to grate incineration in controlling dioxins, yet a comparison is hampered by internal differences in the sample, for example, the fluidized bed fly ash has much lower carbon and chlorine contents. In addition, the presence of sulfur from mixing coal as supplemental fuel to the MSW may poison the catalytic steps in dioxins formation and thus suppress the formation of dioxins. With more residual carbon and chlorine in the fly ash, it is easier to form dioxins during cooling. Nevertheless, there is no apparent relation between Fe, Cu, and Zn contents and that of dioxins in fly ash.     

Correlation of PCDD/F emissions with operating parameters of municipal solid waste incinerators

Municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) operators frequently have expressed the need for an indirect indication of the expected production of PCDD/F and associated abatement procedures through a possible correlation with other real-time data, through using marker pollutants (e.g., penta/hexachlorinated aromatics), or through other indications. Since real-time measurement of PCDD/F is impossible, a correlation of PCDD/F emissions with other operating parameters could help in achieving these goals. Literature data of large-scale MSWIs concerning these correlations are scarce and seldom conclusive. Extensive data of Flemish MSWIs are used to statistically assess possible correlations of PCDD/F and other operating parameters. The effect of temperature in the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is of major importance. When converting values measured between 180 and 270 degrees C to a reference temperature of, for example, 230 degrees C, PCDD/F concentrations achieve nearly constant values, stressing that the major correlating parameter is the temperature of the ESP. High temperatures that enhance de novo synthesis should be avoided.     

Correlation of PCDD/F Emissions with Operating Parameters of Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators

ABSTRACT

Municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) operators frequently have expressed the need for an indirect indication of the expected production of PCDD/F and associated abatement procedures through a possible correlation with other real-time data, through using marker pollutants (e.g., penta/hexachlorinated aromatics), or through other indications. Since real-time measurement of PCDD/F is impossible, a correlation of PCDD/F emissions with other operating parameters could help in achieving these goals. Literature data of large-scale MSWIs concerning these correlations are scarce and seldom conclusive. Extensive data of Flemish MSWIs are used to statistically assess possible correlations of PCDD/F and other operating parameters.

The effect of temperature in the electrostatic precipita-tor (ESP) is of major importance. When converting values measured between 180 and 270 °C to a reference temperature of, for example, 230 °C, PCDD/F concentrations achieve nearly constant values, stressing that the major correlating parameter is the temperature of the ESP. High temperatures that enhance de novo synthesis should be avoided.     

Dioxins and their fingerprint in size-classified fly ash fractions from municipal solid waste incinerators in China—Mechanical grate and fluidized bed units

The distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), in brief dioxins, has seldom been addressed systematically in fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs). This study shows the amount and fingerprint of PCDD/Fs in fly ash from four different Chinese MSWIs, that is, three mechanical grate units and one circulating fluidized bed unit. In these fly ash samples, dioxins-related parameters (international toxic equivalent quantity, total amount of PCDD/Fs, individual isomer classes, and 17 toxic 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners) all tend to increase with decreasing particle size for mechanical grate incinerators, yet only for the finest fraction for fluidized bed units. Moreover, the fluidized bed incinerator seems superior to grate incineration in controlling dioxins, yet a comparison is hampered by internal differences in the sample, for example, the fluidized bed fly ash has much lower carbon and chlorine contents. In addition, the presence of sulfur from mixing coal as supplemental fuel to the MSW may poison the catalytic steps in dioxins formation and thus suppress the formation of dioxins. With more residual carbon and chlorine in the fly ash, it is easier to form dioxins during cooling. Nevertheless, there is no apparent relation between Fe, Cu, and Zn contents and that of dioxins in fly ash.

Implications This paper is of interest because it presents the amounts and distribution of PCDD/Fs in fly ash samples from some typical waste incineration plants in China, featuring distinct incinerator types, combustion conditions, fuel composition, or residual carbon, chloride, and heavy metal contents in fly ash.     

Steps towards a European dioxin emission inventory

The results of a project aiming at collection and evaluation of information regarding the industrial and non-industrial emission sources for dioxins and furans (PCDD/PCDF) in 17 European Countries (EU 15, CH, N) are presented. An overview about national documents covering dioxin emission inventories for the period 1990-1995 is given. Some data on emissions associated with residual materials, waste and waste water are presented additionally. Based on the air emission data contained in these documents the most important emission sources were determined which are assumed to cover about 90% of the overall emissions. For the selected sources and for all 17 countries new estimates of the atmospheric PCDD/PCDF emissions were derived from average emission factors and statistical activity rates for the year 1994. As a result, on the European scale the largest annual PCDD/PCDF emission is assessed to be released from municipal waste incineration, quite closely followed by emissions from iron ore sintering. Considerable releases of dioxins and furans--based, however, on highly uncertain data--are further assessed for domestic burning, accidental fires and (former) use of contaminated wood preservatives (pentachlorophenol). A lower but still significant emission is further assigned to the sector of non-ferrous metal production; particular processes used in this branch proved to generate very high PCDD/PCDF flue gas concentrations.     

Cluster Analysis for Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Dibenzofurans Concentrations in Southern Taiwan

Abstract

This study investigates the characteristics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the ambient air of two municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs: GS and RW) and a coal-fired power plant (PW) in the Kaohsiung County (KC) area in Taiwan. The results show that the toxic equivalency (TEQ) concentration in the flue gas of GS and RW averaged 0.090 and 0.044 ng international toxic equivalents (I-TEQ)/N·m³, respectively. The TEQ concentration in the flue gas of PW averaged 0.050 ng I-TEQ/N·m³. All PCDD/Fs concentrations from the stack flue gas are lower than the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration emission standard. Furthermore, the mean I-TEQ concentration in the ambient atmosphere ranged from approximately 0.019 to 0.165 pg I-TEQ/N·m³, much lower than the environmental quality standards for dioxins in Japan (0.6 pg TEQ/N·m³). This work classified all sampling sites into three clusters according to k-means cluster analysis. The result shows a probable direct correlation between the GS incinerator and site C. Although the concentration from the PW plant did not exceed the emission standard, it was much higher than that in Fernández-Martínez’s study. For proper environmental management of dioxins, establishing a complete emission inventory of PCDD/Fs is necessary. The government of Taiwan should particularly pay more attention to power plants to address the information shortage.     

Levels and characteristic homologue patterns of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in various incinerator emissions and in air collected near an incinerator

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were monitored in stack gas and fly ash of various Korean incinerators and in air samples collected near the facilities. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs in emissions were investigated, and characteristic PCDD/F homologue patterns were classified using statistical analyses. The PCDD/F emission levels in stack gas and fly ash samples from small incinerators (SIs) were higher than those from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs). The PCDD/F concentrations ranged between 0.38 and 1.16 pg I-TEQ/m3 (21.2-75.2 pg/m3) in ambient air samples. The lower-chlorinated furans were the dominant components in most of the stack gas and fly ash samples from SIs, although this was not the case for fly ash from MSWIs. This homologue pattern is consistent with other studies reporting a high fraction of lower-chlorinated furans in most environmental samples affected by incinerator emissions, and it can be used as an indicator to assess the impact of such facilities on the surrounding environment.     

Catalytic decomposition of dioxins and other unintentional POPs in flue gas from a municipal waste incinerator (MWI) in China: a pilot testing

Unintentionally produced persistent organic pollutants (UPOPs) include polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), pentachlorobenzene (PeCBz), and hexachlorobenzene (HxCBz). With the booming of municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) in China, the emission of UPOPs has generated great concern. As an alternative technology of dioxin control, catalytic decomposition has not been used in China, mainly due to the absence of national demonstration projects. Also, the simultaneous removal of various UPOPs has not been well investigated.In this study, a pilot-scale selective catalytic oxidative (SCO) system using a self-developed honeycomb catalyst was built and tested in a typical municipal waste incinerator (MWI) of China. The original concentration of PCDD/Fs in flue gas after the treatment of activated carbon injection (ACI) still exceeded the national emission standard (0.1 ng I-TEQ/Nm³), while the concentrations of PeCBz and HxCBz were one order of magnitude higher than that of PCDD/Fs. For the testing temperature varying from 300 to 200 °C, the removal efficiency of PCDD/Fs range from 39 to 95 %, followed by dl-PCBs with the range of 56–89 %. PeCBz and HxCBz were also removed, though their removal efficiencies were lower than those of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. Both temperature and degree of chlorination influence the removal efficiencies.     

Generation of PCDD/F in fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators

Fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) has been characterized in terms of polychlorinated dibenzyl-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) content. Increasing values of PCDD/Fs have been found to correlate with decreasing temperatures of sampling points in flue gas treatment lines of the plants, confirming other researchers' findings about temperature as the major controlling parameter for the PCDD/F formation. Measured PCDD/F ratios show that de novo synthesis is the dominant formation mechanism. The increasing trends of particulate-bound PCDD/Fs can be explained not only through the dominant de novo synthesis process but also considering the adsorption of gaseous PCDD/Fs on fly ash deposits, even outside the typical de novo synthesis temperature ranges. The effective role of a post-combustor unit, imposed by Italian law to destroy PCDD/ Fs, also needs to be carefully reconsidered.     

Generation of PCDD/F in Fly Ash from Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators

Abstract

Fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) has been characterized in terms of polychlorinated dibenzyl-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) content. Increasing values of PCDD/Fs have been found to correlate with decreasing temperatures of sampling points in flue gas treatment lines of the plants, confirming other researchers’ findings about temperature as the major controlling parameter for the PCDD/F formation. Measured PCDD/F ratios show that de novo synthesis is the dominant formation mechanism. The increasing trends of particulate-bound PCDD/Fs can be explained not only through the dominant de novo synthesis process but also considering the adsorption of gaseous PCDD/Fs on fly ash deposits, even outside the typical de novo synthesis temperature ranges. The effective role of a post-combustor unit, imposed by Italian law to destroy PCDD/Fs, also needs to be carefully reconsidered.     

Emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans from stack gases of electric arc furnaces and secondary aluminum smelters

This study investigates the emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) from four electric arc furnaces (EAFs) and eight secondary aluminum smelters (secondary ALSs) in Taiwan. The mean PCDD/F International-Toxicity Equivalents (I-TEQ) concentrations in the stack gases of these EAFs and secondary ALSs are 0.28 ng I-TEQ/Nm3 (relative standard deviation [RSD]= 100%) and 3.3 ng I-TEQ/Nm3 (RSD = 260%), respectively. The high RSDs, especially for those obtained from secondary ALSs, could be caused by the intrinsic differences in their involved feeding materials, furnace operating conditions, and air pollution control devices. The mean I-TEQ emission factor of PCDD/Fs for EAFs (1.8 microg I-TEQ/tonne-feedstock) is lower than that for secondary ALSs (37 microg I-TEQ/tonne-feedstock). This result might be because the involved furnace temperatures for secondary ALSs (650-750 degrees C) are lower than those for EAFs (1600-1700 degrees C), resulting in the deterioration of the combustion condition, leading to the formation of PCDD/Fs during the industrial process. This study found that the total PCDD/F emissions from EAFs (20 g I-TEQ/yr) and secondary ALSs (18 g I-TEQ/yr) are approximately 27, 53, and approximately 24, 49 times higher than those from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs; 0.74 g I-TEQ/yr) and medical waste incinerators (MWIs; 0.37 g I-TEQ/yr), respectively; while those are 44 and 40% of total PCDD/F emission from sinter plants (45 g I-TEQ/ yr), respectively. Considering a more stringent emission limit has been applied to waste incinerators (0.1 ng I-TEQ/Nm3) in Taiwan lately, the results suggest that the control of the emissions from metallurgical processes has become the most important issue for reducing the total PCDD/F emission from industrial sectors to the ambient environment.     

Destruction of PCDD/Fs by SCR from flue gases of municipal waste incinerator and metal smelting plant

Partitioning of PCDD/F congeners between vapor/solid phases and removal and destruction efficiencies achieved with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for PCDD/Fs at an existing municipal waste incinerator (MWI) and metal smelting plant (MSP) in Taiwan are evaluated via stack sampling and analysis. The MWI investigated is equipped with electrostatic precipitators (EP, operating temperature: 230 degrees C), wet scrubbers (WS, operating temperature: 70 degrees C) and SCR (operating temperature: 220 degrees C) as major air pollution control devices (APCDs). PCDD/F concentration measured at stack gas of the MWI investigated is 0.728 ng-TEQ/Nm(3). The removal efficiency of WS+SCR system for PCDD/Fs reaches 93% in the MWI investigated. The MSP investigated is equipped with EP (operating temperature: 240 degrees C) and SCR (operating temperature: 290 degrees C) as APCDs. The flue gas sampling results also indicate that PCDD/F concentration treated with SCR is 1.35 ng-TEQ/Nm(3). The SCR system adopted in MSP can remove 52.3% PCDD/Fs from flue gases (SCR operating temperature: 290 degrees C, Gas flow rate: 660 kN m(3)/h). In addition, the distributions of PCDD/F congeners observed in the flue gases of the MWI and MSP investigated are significantly different. This study also indicates that the PCDD/F congeners measured in the flue gases of those two facilities are mostly distributed in vapor phase prior to the SCR system and shift to solid phase (vapor-phase PCDD/Fs are effectively decomposed) after being treated with catalyst. Besides, the results also indicate that with SCR highly chlorinated PCDD/F congeners can be transformed to lowly chlorinated PCDD/F congeners probably by dechlorination, while the removal efficiencies of vapor-phase PCDD/Fs increase with increasing chlorination.     

Formation and removal of PCDD/Fs in a municipal waste incinerator during different operating periods

The PCDD/F concentrations and removal efficiencies achieved with air pollution control devices (APCDs) during different operating periods (start-up, normal operation, and shut-down) at an existing municipal waste incinerator (MWI) in Taiwan are evaluated via stack sampling and analysis. The MWI investigated is equipped with electrostatic precipitators (EP), wet scrubbers (WS), and selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) as APCDs. The sampling results indicate that the PCDD/F concentrations at the EP inlet during start-up period were 15 times higher than that measured during normal operation period. The PCDD/F concentration observed at shut-down period was close to that measured at normal operation period. The CO concentration was between 400 and 1000 ppm during start-up period, which was about 50 times higher compared with the normal operation. Hence, combustion condition significantly affected the PCDD/F formation concentration during the waste incineration process. In addition, the distributions of the PCDD/F congeners were similar at different operating periods. During the normal operation and shut-down periods, the EP decreases the PCDD/F concentration (based on TEQ) by 18.4-48.6%, while the removal efficiency of PCDD/Fs achieved with SCR system reaches 99.3-99.6%. Nevertheless, the PCDD/F removal efficiency achieved with SCR was only 42% during the 19-h start-up period due to the low SCR operating temperature (195 degrees C).     

Partitioning and removal of dioxin-like congeners in flue gases treated with activated carbon adsorption

Activated carbon adsorption is commonly used to control dioxin-like congener (PCDD/Fs and PCBs) emissions. Partitioning of PCDD/Fs and PCBs between vapor and solid phases and their removal efficiencies achieved with existing air pollution control devices (APCDs) at a large-scale municipal waste incinerator (MWI) and an industrial waste incinerator (IWI) are evaluated via intensive stack sampling and analysis. Those two facilities investigated are equipped with activated carbon injection (ACI) with bag filter (BF) and fixed activated carbon bed (FACB) as major PCDD/F control devices, respectively. Average PCDD/F and PCB concentrations of stack gas with ACI+BF as APCDs are 0.031 and 0.006ng-TEQ/Nm(3), and that achieved with FACB are 1.74 and 0.19ng-TEQ/Nm(3) in MWI and IWI, respectively. The results show that FACB could reduce vapor-phase PCDD/Fs and PCBs concentrations in flue gas, while the ACI+BF can effectively adsorb the vapor-phase dioxin-like congener and collect the solid-phase PCDD/Fs and PCBs in the meantime. Additionally, the results of the pilot-scale adsorption system (PAS) experimentation indicate that each gram activated carbon adsorbs 105-115ng-PCDD/Fs and each surface area (m(2)) of activated carbon adsorbs 10-25ng-PCDD/Fs. Based on the results of PAS experimentation, this study confirms that the surface area of mesopore+macropore (20-200A) of the activated carbon is a critical factor affecting PCDD/F adsorption capacity.     

Baseline soil levels of PCDD/Fs established prior to the construction of municipal solid waste incinerators in China

In order to determine the baseline contamination by polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in different areas in China, prior to the construction of municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs), a total of 32 representative soil samples was collected near 16 incinerators and analyzed for their PCDD/F concentrations. The PCDD/F baseline concentrations in the soil samples ranged from 0.32 to 11.4 ng I-TEQ kg⁻¹ (dry matter), with average and median value of 2.73 and 2.24 ng I-TEQ kg⁻¹ (dry matter), respectively, and a span between maximum and minimum recorded value of 36. The PCDD homologues predominated in 26 out of 32 soil samples, with the ratio (PCDDs)/(PCDFs) ranging from 1.1 to 164; however in the other 6 samples, PCDF homologues were larger, with the same ratio varying from 0.04 to 0.8. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to examine PCDD/F amount and profile in these soil samples, and their possible associations with known emission sources: in this process 6 really distinct isomer fingerprints were identified. Background PCDD/F levels and profiles were comparable to those found in soils from China and other countries and indicate a rather low baseline PCDD/F contamination of soils. The present data provide the tools for future assessment of a possible impact of these MSWIs.     

The size distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in the bottom ash of municipal solid waste incinerators

In this study, bottom ash was sampled from two Taiwanese municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs: A and B) and sieved to size classes of 4.75-9.5 mm, 2.36-4.75 mm, 1.0-2.36 mm, 0.6-1.0 mm, 0.3-0.6 mm, 0.21-0.3 mm, 0.125-0.21 mm, 0.075-0.125 mm and <0.074 mm. For both MSWIs, the major peak in the particle size distribution for the PCDD/F content was found in a particle size <0.21 mm, that is, 16.1 (A) and 4.37 pg I-TEQ/g (B). This is due to the fact that a smaller particle has higher specific surface area thus offering more adsorption sites. The mean cumulative fractions (F%) of PCDD/F I-TEQ in the bottom ash of MSWI A and B in the particle size range below 0.6, 2.36 and 4.75 mm, in sequence, are 40.4%, 77.2% and 95.6%, respectively. We suggest sieving the bottom ash before the subsequent reutilization at the suggested cut size of 0.6 mm. In the view of PCDD/Fs, bottom ash with a particle size larger than 0.6 mm, which is the more non-hazardous part, may be suitable for being the raw material of landfilling soil, road sub-base, and construction blocks. For the minus 0.6 mm fraction, vitrification with fly ash is one of the choices.     

The use of date palm as a potential adsorbent for wastewater treatment: a review

Background

In tropical countries, the palm tree is one of the most abundant and important trees. Date palm is a principal fruit grown in many regions of the world. It is abundant, locally available and effective material that could be used as an adsorbent for the removal of different pollutants from aqueous solution.

Review

This article presents a review on the role of date palm as adsorbents in the removal of unwanted materials such as acid and basic dyes, heavy metals, and phenolic compounds. Many studies on adsorption properties of various low cost adsorbent, such as agricultural waste and activated carbons based on agricultural waste have been reported in recent years.

Conclusion

Studies have shown that date palm-based adsorbents are the most promising adsorbents for removing unwanted materials. No previous review is available where researchers can get an overview of the adsorption capacities of date palm-based adsorbent used for the adsorption of different pollutants. This review provides the recent literature demonstrating the usefulness of date palm biomass-based adsorbents in the adsorption of various pollutants.