Biochar as a Sustainable Product for the Removal of Odor Emissions - Mini Literature Review

Abstract

Odors are considered as one of the most important environmental problems that may adversely influence the quality of life of people affected by their interaction. Due to the multiple sources of emissions, combined with the abundance of chemical compounds classified odor nuisance, new methods of reducing odor emissions are sought while maintaining environmental neutrality. One potential option is to use biochar, a sustainable, carbonized solid product resulting from the thermo-chemical treatment of biomass and/or organic waste. Due to its valuable properties (in particular, high specific surface area, and microporous structure), this material can be used for sorption purposes. Although the issue of using biochar to remove odor emissions is relatively new, in recent years new research directions have been undertaken to determine the sorption efficiency of biochar not only as a direct adsorbent but also in alternative applications. Therefore, this paper aimed to review the most important directions of biochar management in the removal of odor-causing compounds and to highlight the current advances undertaken in this direction. It was distinguished that biochar can enhance odor mitigation by being an additive to compost, a biofiltration medium, a direct adsorbent, a soil additive, a substrate for the production of the odor-absorbing product, a dietary supplement, and a biocover. However, further research is needed to strengthen the range of greater use of biochar in practice.