Synergistic effects of biochar derived from different sources on greenhouse gas emissions and microplastics mitigation during sewage sludge composting

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar derived from different sources (wheat straw, sawdust and pig manure) on greenhouse gas and microplastics (MPs) mitigation during sewage sludge composting. Compared to the control, all biochar significantly reduced the N2O by 28.91–41.23%, while having no apparent effect on CH4. Sawdust biochar and pig manure biochar significantly reduced the NH3 by 12.53–23.53%. Adding biochar decreased the global warming potential during composting, especially pig manure biochar (177.48 g/kg CO2-eq.). The concentration of MPs significantly increased in the control (43736.86 particles/kg) compared to the initial mixtures, while the addition of biochar promoted the oxidation and degradation of MPs (15896.06–23225.11 particles/kg), with sawdust biochar and manure biochar were more effective. Additionally, biochar significantly reduced the abundance of small-sized (10–100 μm) MPs compared to the control. Moreover, biochar might regulate specific microbes (e.g., Thermobifida, Bacillus and Ureibacillus) to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and MPs degradation.