Abstract
Roadside processing of wood biomass leaves chip piles of varying size depending upon whether they were created for temporary storage, spillage, or equipment maintenance. Wood chips left in these piles can generate leachate that contaminates streams when processing sites are connected to waterways. Leachate toxicity and chemistry were assessed for pure aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.), hybrid white spruce (Picea engelmannii x glauca Parry), and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton) as well as from two wood chipping sites using mixes of lodgepole pine and hybrid or black spruce. Leachate was generated using rainfall simulation, a static 28-day laboratory assay, and a field-based exposure. Leachate generated by these exposures was analyzed for organic matter content, phenols, ammonia, pH, and toxicity. Findings indicate that all wood chip types produced a toxic leachate despite differences in their chemistry. The consistent toxicity response highlights the need for runoff management that will disconnect processing sites from aquatic environments.
Highlights
Wood is the most prominently used renewable energy source on the planet owing to its broad availability and usage across a range of technologies including direct incineration and production of bio-oils [1]
This paper addresses the potential aquatic effects of wood biomass operations by investigating the chemistry and aquatic toxicology of leachate generated from biomass chip piles
The chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels in leachate samples drawn from larger chips at Muldowan 18 are significantly lower than those those drawn from the smaller chips at Muldowan
Summary
Wood is the most prominently used renewable energy source on the planet owing to its broad availability and usage across a range of technologies including direct incineration and production of bio-oils [1]. Commercial development of wood biomass as an energy source is increasing owing to public and policy concerns over the reliance on fossil fuels for energy in light of climate change [2]. Production capacity, and economic sustainability studies are prominent, but the influence of biomass operations on environmental sustainability requires more attention [2]. This paper addresses the potential aquatic effects of wood biomass operations by investigating the chemistry and aquatic toxicology of leachate generated from biomass chip piles.
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