Aveiro study turns brewing waste into water purifier

Researchers at the University of Aveiro have shown that spent grain, a key by-product of beer production, can be converted into biochar and activated carbon capable of removing antibiotics from wastewater. Using microwave pyrolysis combined with chemical activation, the team produced materials that performed competitively against commercial activated carbon in removing sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin. Tests found effectiveness could drop when multiple contaminants compete in real wastewater. The materials could also be regenerated thermally, potentially making the approach more economically viable and supporting circular-economy solutions for treating contaminated water.