Effects of the pyrolysis temperature on the biotoxicity of Phyllostachys pubescens biochar in the aquatic environment.

Abstract

The use of biochar as an adsorbent for environmental remediation has been attracting increasing interest. However, biochar can contain contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals (e.g., Cu, Pb, and Zn). We prepared Phyllostachys pubescens biochars at temperatures between 400 and 700 °C. The biochars were used in bioassays using Vibrio qinghaiensis Q67, Daphnia magna, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri to characterize the toxicities and effects of the biochars. The PAH, Cu, Pb, and Zn contents of the biochars were 8.59-14.67, 1.82-3.26, 1.17-3.53, and 8.76-16.47 mg/kg, respectively. The biochars gave maximum P. subcapitata, D. magna, and V. qinghaiensis Q67 inhibition rates of 6.47%, 6.70%, and 29.87%, respectively. The biochars produced at high pyrolysis temperatures (≥600 °C) had low acute biotoxicities to L. hoffmeisteri and barely affected L. hoffmeisteri biomass, reproduction, and lipid content. The biochars may therefore be suitable for sediment remediation.