Canola Straw Research Articles

Potential of biochar and humic substances for phytoremediation of trace metals in oil sands process affected water

Oil sands process affected water (OSPW) is produced during bitumen extraction and typically contains high concentrations of trace metals. Constructed wetlands have emerged as a cost effective and green technology for the treatment of metals in wastewaters. Whether the addition of amendments to constructed wetlands can improve metal removal efficiency is unknown. We investigated the synergistic effects of carbon based amendments and wetland plant species in removal of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, and selenium from OSPW. Three native wetland species (Carex aquatilis, Juncus balticus, Scirpus validus) and two amendments (canola straw biochar, nano humus) were investigated in constructed wetland mesocosms over 60 days. Amendment effect on metal removal efficiency was not significant, while plant species effect was. Phytoremediation resulted in removal efficiencies of 78.61–96.31 % for arsenic, cadmium, and cobalt. Carex aquatilis had the highest removal efficiencies for all metals. Amendments alone performed well in removing some metals and were comparable to phytoremediation for cadmium, cobalt, copper, and nickel. Metals were primarily distributed in roots with negligible translocation to shoots. Our work provides insights into the role of plants and amendments during metal remediation and their complex interactions in constructed treatment wetlands.

Comprehensive understanding of co-producing fermentable sugar, furfural, and xylo-oligosaccharides through the pretreatment with CTAB-based deep eutectic solvent containing Brønsted and Lewis acid

The deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with additional functionalities synthesized using the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) have gained attention due to their remarkable enzymatic enhancement capability. By combining CTAB, lactic acid, and FeCl3, a DES containing both Brønsted and Lewis acids was synthesized and the pretreatment parameters were optimized using response surface methodology. The results demonstrated the selective and efficient delignification (83.2 %) and xylan removal (76.3 %) from canola straw by CTAB:LA:Fe3+, resulting in an increased saccharification efficiency of 81.8 %. Besides, abundant furfural (3.36 g/L) and xylo-oligosaccharides (3.41 g/L) were co-produced during pretreatment, providing comprehensive insights into the efficient co-production of fermentable sugars, furfural, and xylo-oligosaccharides. A thorough analysis of mass balance and energy flow was conducted to evaluate the entire process. Then, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and quantum chemical calculations were performed on lignocellulosic biomass models and elucidate the interactions between the biomass and CTAB:LA:Fe3+ at the molecular level through the independent gradient model (IGM), thus explaining the high removal efficiency of hemicellulose and lignin. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of the DESs were investigated, and molecular-level insights into the mechanism of CTAB:LA:Fe3+ pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass were proposed in conjunction with biomass characterization such as FT-IR and CLSM, as well as MD simulations.

Catalytic Supercritical Water Gasification of Canola Straw with Promoted and Supported Nickel-Based Catalysts.

Lignocellulosic biomass such as canola straw is produced as low-value residue from the canola processing industry. Its high cellulose and hemicellulose content makes it a suitable candidate for the production of hydrogen via supercritical water gasification. However, supercritical water gasification of lignocellulosic biomass such as canola straw suffers from low hydrogen yield, hydrogen selectivity, and conversion efficiencies. Cost-effective and sustainable catalysts with high catalytic activity for supercritical water gasification are increasingly becoming a focal point of interest. In this research study, novel wet-impregnated nickel-based catalysts supported on carbon-negative hydrochar obtained from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL-HC) and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC-HC) of canola straw, along with other nickel-supported catalysts such as Ni/Al2O3, Ni/ZrO2, Ni/CNT, and Ni/AC, were synthesized for gasification of canola straw on previously optimized reaction conditions of 500 °C, 60 min, 10 wt%, and 23-25 MPa. The order of hydrogen yield for the six supports was (10.5 mmol/g) Ni/ZrO2 > (9.9 mmol/g) Ni/Al2O3 > (9.1 mmol/g) Ni/HTL-HC > (8.8 mmol/g) Ni/HTC-HC > (7.7 mmol/g) Ni/AC > (6.8 mmol/g) Ni/CNT, compared to 8.1 mmol/g for the non-catalytic run. The most suitable Ni/ZrO2 catalyst was further modified using promotors such as K, Zn, and Ce, and the performance of the promoted Ni/ZrO2 catalysts was evaluated. Ni-Ce/ZrO2 showed the highest hydrogen yield of 12.9 mmol/g, followed by 12.0 mmol/g for Ni-Zn/ZrO2 and 11.6 mmol/g for Ni-K/ZrO2. The most suitable Ni-Ce/ZrO2 catalysts also demonstrated high stability over their repeated use. The superior performance of the Ni-Ce/ZrO2 was due to its high nickel dispersion, resilience to sintering, high thermal stability, and oxygen storage capabilities to minimize coke deposition.

Hydrogen production from supercritical water gasification of canola residues

Canola hull, meal and straw are abundantly available as low-value agricultural residues in Canada. These lignocellulosic feedstocks have the potential for the generation of biofuels as alternatives to fossil fuels. Supercritical water gasification is an emerging hydrothermal process for the conversion of recalcitrant biomasses into value-added hydrogen with the application of water beyond its critical temperature and pressure. This study focuses on the comparative investigation of supercritical water gasification of canola residues for H2 production through optimization of process temperature (350–500 °C), reaction time (20–80 min) and feedstock concentration (10–25 wt%) at a constant pressure of 23–25 MPa. Supercritical water gasification of canola straw resulted in a high H2 yield of 7.1 mmol/g to 6.2 mmol/g of H2 from canola hull and 5.5 mmol/g of H2 from canola meal at a temperature, reaction time and feedstock concentration of 500 °C, 40 min and 20 wt%, respectively. Furthermore, H2 yield and total gas yield from canola straw were maximized to 8.1 mmol/g and 29.7 mmol/g at the optimized supercritical water gasification conditions of 500 °C, 60 min and 10 wt%. Hydrochar obtained at high gasification temperatures also revealed aromatic carbon structures and thermal stability due to dehydrogenation, decarboxylation, deamination and aromatization. The overall results demonstrated the potential of supercritical water gasification as an evolving hydrothermal process to convert lignocellulosic biomass into high-value H2-rich gas.

Microwave activated and iron engineered biochar for arsenic adsorption: Life cycle assessment and cost analysis

Humans are exposed to arsenic (As) from various sources such as food, drinking water, and air, thus, treatment of water matrices contaminated with As is a worldwide challenge. In this work, H3PO4 and FeCl3 treated canola straw biochar (CSB) was assessed for its adsorption efficiency for arsenite, As(III), and arsenate, As(V), in water. The main factors in determination of an optimal CSB (OCSB) included microwave (MW) power for the creation of the biochar and FeCl3 modification. For both As(III) and As(V), the highest performing biochar was found to be at the highest MW power (1000 W) and lowest FeCl3 concentration (0.1 M). It was found that biochar surface area was enhanced by biomass activation using FeCl3 and no crystalline phases of FeCl3 were identified, potentially a consequence of the low iron concentrations considered. Modification parameters were studied and showed that pH 7 was more favorable for As(V) adsorption, while pH 10 favored As(III) adsorption. Additionally, isotherm and kinetic analysis indicated that a physical adsorption mechanism took place for As(III) and As(V) which may have resulted from surface complexation. Life cycle assessment (LCA) results showed that OCSB production is environmentally friendly, generating − 0.298 kg CO2 eq/kg of biochar. For an economic perspective, a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of OCSB found a cost of $5.14/kg (USD) of biochar that is mainly impacted by materials. Overall, OCSB shows potential for As adsorption and environmental evaluation shows promising results for consideration of this biochar as an adsorbent.

Co-pyrolysis of biosolids with lignocellulosic biomass: Effect of feedstock on product yield and composition

Co-pyrolysis technology is an effective method to reduce heavy metal concentration in biochar produced from biosolids. In the current study, the effect of co-pyrolysis feedstock on product yield and properties was studied by mixing Biosolids (BS) with Wheat Straw (WS) and Canola Straw (CS) in a 3:1 mass ratio and carrying out thermal decomposition at 700 °C in a fluid bed reactor. This study found that the feedstock ash content and the volatile matter had a significant effect on biochar, oil, and gas yields from co-pyrolysis. The results also indicated that the addition of WS and CS feedstock notably reduced As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn concentrations in the biochar, due to the net effect of dilution and synergistic effects. BS-WS and BS-CS co-pyrolysis reduced Cu concentration in biochar by 61.6% and 63.3%, respectively, and Zn concentration by 66.4% and 64.4%, respectively. Lignocellulosic biomass addition also reduced biochar yield and improved C, H, and N content, along with the calorific value and the thermal stability of biochar. C content was increased by 36.9% in BS: WS biochar and 43.3% in BS: CS biochar compared to solely biosolids’ biochar. The calorific value of biochar was increased by 43.5% and 52.9% in BS-WS biochar and BS-CS biochar compared to biosolids’ biochar. During co-pyrolysis, CS addition produced oil with the lowest mole percentage of nitrogenated compounds. However, the addition of WS and CS increased co-pyrolysis oil acidity. Biosolids co-pyrolysis with WS and CS also increased the gas yield and the heating value compared to biosolids pyrolysis. Furthermore, the synergistic effect between biosolids and co-feedstocks resulted in increased gas yields and decreased oil and biochar yields.

Investigation of an effective acid pre-treatment method for the valorisation of Canola fines

Canola fines are the straw-like material and other residues removed from incoming Canola crops before processing for seed oil. In South Africa, this lignocellulosic biomass is abundant and non-seasonal, making it an ideal substrate for recovery of sugars for valorization to higher value products. Pre-treatment for release of sugars from lignocellulose should be optimized for a given substrate. In this study, mechanical pre-treatment to reduce the size of Canola fines was followed by: (i) steam-assisted acid pre-treatment (0–2% H2SO4 % v/v) at different temperatures (20–55 °C), and biomass loading rates (2–8% w/v), and (ii) enzyme hydrolysis, using a central composite experimental design approach. The sugars in the hydrolysates obtained from stages (i) and (ii) were measured quantitatively and qualitatively as outputs that were used to assess process efficiency and to obtain predictive models. The raw and spent Canola fines from each phase were fully characterized in terms of chemical and structural changes at each stage of pre-treatment.The Canola fines contained 23.0% w/w lignin, 21.4% w/w cellulose, and 15.9% w/w hemicellulose. The maximum yield of total sugars after steam-assisted acid hydrolysis (18.6% w/w) was increased after enzyme hydrolysis (28.3 % w/w) and was higher than reported for other studies pre-treating rapeseed and Canola straws (10.2–11.8% w/w). The sugar profiles in the hydrolysates after steam-assisted acid hydrolysis (xylose>arabinose>glucose) differed from those obtained after acid-assisted enzyme hydrolysis (xylose>glucose>cellobiose>arabinose). The microscopic and chemical analyses of the Canola fines showed sequential breakdown of the lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, with some lignin still intact at the end of the pre-treatment. For application of this technology, no heating would be required for acid pre-treatment as temperature was not a significant variable. In addition, the optimal H2SO4 concentration was low (1.7% v/v), minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals as well as the risk of releasing microbial and/or enzyme inhibitors during the process. Enzyme hydrolysis should only be required if the downstream application requires higher sugar concentrations and/or different sugar profiles.

Exogenous microbial antagonism affects the bioaugmentation of humus formation under different inoculation using Trichoderma reesei and Phanerochaete chrysosporium

This study was aimed at exploring the effect of antagonism of Trichoderma reesei (T.r) and Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P.c) on humification during fermentation of rice (RS) and canola straw (CS). Results showed that exogeneous fungi accelerated straw degradation and enzyme activities of CMCase, xylanase and LiP. P.c inhibited the activity of LiP when co-existing with T.r beginning, it promoted the degradation of lignin and further increased the production of humus-like substances (HLS) and humic-like acid (HLA) in later fermentation when nutrients were insufficient. The HLS of RTP was 54.9 g/kg RS, higher than the other treatments, and displayed more complex structure and higher thermostability. Brucella and Bacillus were the main HLA bacterial producers. P.c was the HLA fungal producer, while T.r assisted FLA and polyphenol transformation. Therefore, RTP was recommended to advance technologies converting crop straw into humus resources.

Physiochemical characteristics and methane yield of pretreated rice straw, canola straw, and banana plant substrate with buffalo dung by anaerobic co-digestion: sustainable future for Pakistan

Physiochemical characteristics and methane yield of pretreated rice straw, canola straw, and banana plant substrate with buffalo dung by anaerobic co-digestion: sustainable future for Pakistan

Biomass-Degrading Enzyme(s) Production and Biomass Degradation by a Novel Streptomyces thermocarboxydus.

Modern society has a great challenge to decrease waste and minimize the adverse effects of wastes on the economy, environment, and individual health. Thus, this study focuses on the use of eight agro-wastes (banana peel, barley straw, canola straw, pomegranate peel, orange peel, pumpkin pulp+seeds, maple leaf, and brewer's spent grains) by a novel bacterium (Streptomyces thermocarboxydus) for enzymes production. Further, the study explored the subsequent degradation of those wastes by the bacterium. This bacterium was isolated from forest soil and identified as Streptomyces thermocarboxydus by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The biodegrading capability of S. thermocarboxydus was determined by observing the clear zone around the colony cultured on the agar plate containing the different biomasses as sole carbon sources and calculating the substrate degradation ratios. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy images of eight agro-wastes before and after bacterial treatment and weight loss of agro-wastes revealed the bacterium degraded the biomasses. The different trends of enzyme activities were observed for various wastes, and the maximum activity depended on the type of agro-wastes. Overall, S. thermocarboxydus was found to be a potential candidate for pectinase and xylanase production. The enzyme production varies with the concentration of the biomasses.

Spheronized drug microcarrier system from canola straw lignin

ABSTRACT Inhomogeneous lignin from a canola (rapeseed) straw was isolated and valorized as regularly shaped spherical microparticles for drug delivery formulations. Lignin with a purity of 83% and broad molecular weight distribution (Ð > 5.0) was extracted by alkali pulping and acetylated to increase spheronization ability. Lignins with high degrees of acetylation (0.76 and 0.89) were successfully assembled into microparticles with uniform sizes (approximately 2 μm) and smooth spherical surfaces via solvent–antisolvent precipitation. Hydrophobic coumarin 153 and positively charged ciprofloxacin were used as model drugs to assess the encapsulation and release performance of lignin microparticles. Highly acetylated lignin microparticles displayed encapsulation efficiencies of 89.6% for coumarin 153% and 90.6% for ciprofloxacin. Scanning electron microscope images showed that coumarin 153 was encapsulated in the hydrophobic core, while ciprofloxacin was adsorbed on the less hydrophobic shell. The synthesis of lignin microcarriers not only provides a facile approach to utilizing waste canola straw lignin for drug delivery matrices but also has the potential to serve as an alternative lignin powder feedstock for bio-based materials.

Insights on mechanisms of aluminum phytotoxicity mitigation by canola straw biochars from different regions

To better understand the amendment effects and mechanisms of aluminum (Al(III)) phytotoxicity mitigation by different regional crop straw biochars, wheat seedling root elongation trials were conducted. The contributions of liming effect, oxygen-containing surface functional group adsorption, and oxyanions precipitation to Al(III) phytotoxicity mitigation by Ca(OH)2, pristine and ash-free canola straw biochar were evaluated. The results indicated that biochars derived from canola straw collected from four different regions (Yingtan, Xuancheng, Nanjing, and Huaiyin) caused 22–70% wheat seedling root elongation, which might be linked to liming effect. Incorporation of the corresponding ash-free biochars caused 15–30% elongation, which could be attributed to the surface functional group adsorption. About 0–60% of changes could be explained by Al(III) precipitation with inorganic oxyanions. These findings provide new insights into the physicochemical properties, potential applications, efficiencies, and underlying mechanisms of crop straw biochar in alleviating Al(III) phytotoxicity, which is dependent on the cultivation soil, and indicate similar application of crop straw biochar for acidic soil amelioration, contaminated soil remediation, and arable soil improvement.Graphical

3-Indoleacrylic acid from canola straw as a promising antialgal agent - Inhibition effect and mechanism on bloom-forming Prorocentrum donghaiense

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have induced severe damage worldwide. A novel high-efficient antialgal natural chemical, 3-indoleacrylic acid (3-IDC) with a 5-day half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50, 5d), was discovered from canola straw, and its algal inhibition mechanism was investigated. Adverse effects were observed on the growth of P. donghaiense with 3-IDC addition, following an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. 3-IDC also hindered the photosynthetic mechanism of P. donghaiense cells. Transcriptional results showed 3-IDC inhibiting the functions of all the nutrient assimilating genes, down-regulated ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase II, and cytochrome f genes. The expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and 90 and rhodopsin genes were also suppressed. The binding affinity of investigated receptors was observed. The conformational changes induced by the spatial microstructural alteration through 3-IDC may further contribute to the perturbation of those enzyme catalytic activities. The present results provide new insights on controlling HABs using 3-IDC.

Various pretreatments of canola straw with hydrogen peroxide, calcium hydroxide, silica, and Pleurotus ostreatus to improve methane yield through anaerobic co-digestion

Various pretreatments of canola straw with hydrogen peroxide, calcium hydroxide, silica, and Pleurotus ostreatus to improve methane yield through anaerobic co-digestion

Elucidating the mechanisms determining the availability of phosphate by application of biochars from different parent materials.

The consortium of minerals and organic matter notably alters and affects minerals' surface characteristics and nutrients providence. Organic matter such as biochar can modify the availability status of macronutrients like phosphorus (P). Despite some investigation, the adsorption/desorption of P with pure iron (hydr)oxides and the probable mechanisms involved are still unknown. In the present study, the goethite/hematite or goethite-biochar/hematite-biochar complexes were prepared, and a batch experiment with different P concentrations, time spell, pH, and ionic strength is performed to evaluate the sorption characteristics of P. The results of our study suggest that the P adsorption on mineral surface decreased with the increasing pH. Furthermore, the coexistence of biochar and minerals significantly inhibits P adsorption on the minerals surface. The results of Languimner and Freundlich's equations signify that the biochar-minerals complexes have heterogeneous adsorption sites and the presence of biochar reduces P adsorption on minerals surface. Among four biochars including peanut straw biochar (PC (B1)), rice straw biochar (RC (B2)), canola straw biochar (CC (B3)), and soybean straw biochar (SC (B4)), PC was more effective than other biochars to inhibit P adsorption on minerals surfaces.

Remediation of emerging metal pollutants using environment friendly biochar- Review on applications and mechanism

Bioremediation of heavy metals has become a major environmental concern due to their bio resistant nature and tendency to accumulate. Application of various technologies, involving physical and chemical working principles are applied and passive uptake using sorption involving eco-friendly substrates gained significant attention. Biochar, a cheaper and efficient material, offers good potential due to the greater ease of production, treatment and disposal. This review focuses on the effective application of biochar to treat water contaminated by three specific heavy metals: chromium, lead and arsenic. The on-field applications like soil amendment, industrial wastewater treatment and groundwater treatment using biochar are highlighted. The review article describes the feedstock available for biochar production, various production processes and the importance of optimum conditions like pyrolysis temperature, rate and retention time for various feedstocks reported in literature. The energy requirement of the production process can be supplied by its own energy output. Various modifications that are suitable for the biochar from distinct feedstocks are also discussed. The removal performance of biochar at different working conditions like pH, initial concentration of pollutant and adsorbent dose are consolidated. The highest removal efficiencies reported were by coconut shell biochar (Cr – 99.9%), canola straw biochar (Pb – 100%) and perilla leaf biochar (As – 100%). The adsorption mechanism is explained with reference to kinetics, isotherms, and molecular dynamics. Adsorption mechanism of most of the biochars was found to fit either Freundlich or Langmuir isotherm.

Silage Fermentation: A Potential Microbial Approach for the Forage Utilization of Cyperus esculentus L. By-Product

Cyperus esculentus L. leaves (CLL) are agricultural by-products produced from Cyperus esculentus L. harvesting, and can be used as livestock feed despite their low economic value for human consumption. This study aims to develop a favorable approach to processing Cyperus esculentus L. by-product as coarse fodder. The chopped CLL was pretreated by (1) mixing with canola straw at a 4:1 ratio, or (2) wilting it for 8 h, then it ensiling with or without compounded lactic acid bacteria (LAB) additives for 60 days. Our results demonstrated that compounded LAB additives: improved CLL silage fermentation quality by increasing acetic acid and lactic acid contents and decreasing ethanol and ammonia-N contents; preserved nutrients by raising the level of crude protein and water soluble carbohydrates; modified the bacterial community by increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus while decreasing the relative abundance of undesirable Enterococcus; and also might improve animal health by increasing the relative concentrations of antioxidant substances (such as 7-galloylcatechin) and antibacterial compounds (such as ferulic acid). This study provides strong evidence that Cyperus esculentus L. by-product can be a potential livestock feed after being ensiled with compounded LAB additives.

Preventative effect of crop straw-derived biochar on plant growth in an arsenic polluted acidic ultisol

In different regions of the world, arsenic (As) contaminated soils poses a serious threat to plant growth and its physiological processes. Organic amendments are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to improve plant growth under stress conditions in contaminated soils. In As polluted acidic ultisol, a greenhouse trial was conducted to investigate the protective effects of peanut straw biochar (PSB) and canola straw biochar (CSB) on soybean mineral nutrition, antioxidant enzymes, and physiological growth parameters. The current study used eighteen treatments with different levels of As ((1) 0 mg kg−1, (2) 30 mg kg−1, (3) 60 mg kg−1) and biochar (PSB and CSB) (0%, 1%, and 2%). The result suggests that biochar addition under As stress in highly weathered acidic ultisol soil increased soybean growth attributes and defense mechanisms. The PSB was more effective than the CSB in a dose-dependent manner. The application of 2% PSB in polluted soil resulted in significant increases in soybean height (58%), biomass production (root (44%) and shoot length (52%)), chlorophyll contents (92%), soybean functional leaves (62%), total soluble sugars (TSS) (71%) and base cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+). However, biochar application decreased proline, MDA, H2O2, and O2− by 64%, 82%, 49%, and 45% respectively. Furthermore, biochar application increased (Phosphate) P and As uptake in soybean, with PSB application exhibiting a greater increase than CSB application. As a result, crop straw-derived biochar can reduce As-induced soybean plant damage and insert a protective effect in As-contaminated acidic ultisol soils.

Improvement of the pellet quality and fuel characteristics of agricultural residues through mild hydrothermal treatment

Agricultural residues such as straw and grasses lack lignin and other natural binders, which make them difficult to produce durable pellets. Hydrothermal treatment modifies the complex hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin structure, which holds promise for making durable pellets from crop residues. However, most hydrothermal treatment applies mild temperature (180−260 °C), which is an energy-intensive process. In this research, mild hydrothermal treatment was applied to pine woodchip, wheat straw, timothy hay, and canola straw prior to pelletization. The mild hydrothermal treatment consisted of exposing the ground biomass to 135℃ for 90 min in an autoclave unit. The results show that mild hydrothermal treatment is a promising way to improve agricultural pellet quality and fuel properties. After treatment, the durability and hardness of all pellets increased, especially for canola straw (from 2.21 N/mm2 to 4.67 N/mm2 and 83.42%–95.41% respectively). The mass density of woodchip, wheat straw, timothy hay and canola pellets increased by 2.89 %, 5.85 %, 3.69 %, and 9.21 %. and the volumetric energy density increased by 8.04 %, 7.46 %, 8.34 % and 12.59 %, respectively. The elevated devolatilization index and decreased activation energy show volatile matters of all pellets are easier to release during pyrolysis. Thus, mild hydrothermal treatment is a clean and economical method for improving agricultural pellets quality and the heat applications. It has the potential to be applied in industrial pellet manufacture.

Carbonization temperature and feedstock type interactively affect chemical, fuel, and surface properties of hydrochars

The hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process that converts wet/dry biomass to hydrochars (for use as solid fuels or adsorbents) needs to be optimized. We investigated the interactive effects of feedstock type and HTC temperature on chemical, fuel, and surface properties of hydrochars produced from lignocellulosic (canola straw, sawdust and wheat straw) and non-lignocellulosic feedstocks (manure pellet) at 180, 240 and 300 °C. Increased HTC temperature decreased hydrochar yield and surface functional group abundance, but increased hydrochar thermal stability due to increased devolatilization and carbonization. Hydrochar surface area ranged from 1.76 to 30.59 m2g−1, much lower than those of commercially available activated carbon. Lignocellulosic and non-lignocellulosic feedstocks were distinctly affected by HTC temperature due to variable carbonization from ashing. Hydrochars produced from lignocellulosic biomass at 240 and 300 °C resembled high-volatile bituminous coal. Hydrochars should be designed for specific applications such as fuels by selecting specific feedstock types and carbonization conditions.