The pervasive presence of pesticide residues in aqueous environments necessitates advanced filtration technologies that are both efficient and environmentally responsible. While activated carbon (AC) is a standard adsorbent, its efficacy is often hampered by its inherent affinity for water and natural organic matter (NOM), which compete for active sites.

This research presents the development of an entirely sustainable adsorbent system by combining coconut shell based activated carbons with sustainable hydrophobic surface treatments. By utilizing plant-derived oils, the AC surface chemistry was tailored to prioritize the adsorption of non-polar organic contaminants.

Adsorption studies targeted a broad spectrum of pesticides, including 26 different pesticides. The treated AC demonstrated increased adsorption capacity compared to unmodified commercial carbons. BET surface area analysis revealed that the sustainable treatment successfully reduced surface polarity without compromising the highly developed microporous structure (areas >1000 m²/g).

Kinetic models indicated that the modification accelerated the removal rate through enhanced interactions and hydrophobic partitioning. This study provides a "circular economy" framework for water treatment, transforming agricultural products into high-value functional materials for the removal of toxic pesticide residues.