Tool For Carbon Sequestration Research Articles

Effect of sugarcane bagasse biochar on soybean germination and initial growth

Biochar is known as an excellent soil conditioner and a powerful carbon sequestration tool. However, to expand its use, it is necessary to understand potential adverse effects. To better address this issue, biochar was prepared from sugarcane bagasse. The effect of biochar on the germination of soybean seeds was evaluated, and a greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the response of soybean seedlings to biochar application at different rates (CK, 0% w/w; BC1, 1% w/w; BC3, 3% w/w; and BC5, 5% w/w). Thirty days after sowing, growth parameters, soil physicochemical attributes, and microbiota were evaluated. The biochar exhibited a low O/C ratio (0.18) and an irregular porous surface, which promoted improvements in the soil's physical, chemical, and biological attributes. It also demonstrated no phytotoxic effects in germination tests for application rates up to 50 t/ha. The results of the soybean cultivation showed that the BC3 and BC5 treatments significantly increased the fresh mass of the aerial part by 64% and 86%, respectively, compared to CK. These treatments also significantly increased the fresh mass of the root system by 23% and 423%, respectively. These results highlight the potential of biochar in promoting early soybean development.

The Application of Pyrolysis Biochar Obtained from Waste Rapeseed Cake to Remove Copper from Industrial Wastewater: An Overview

Pyrolysis is a thermochemical technology for converting biomass into energy and chemical products consisting of bio-gas, bio-oil, and biochar. Several parameters influence the process efficiency and properties of pyrolysis products. These include the type of biomass, biomass preliminary preparation, gaseous atmosphere, final temperature, heating rate, and process time. This manuscript provides a general summary of the properties of the pyrolytic products of waste rapeseed cake, with particular emphasis on the sorption properties of biochar. Biochar, produced by the pyrolysis process of biomass, is emerging as a powerful tool for carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and purifying water from contaminants such as potentially toxic elements and antibiotics. The review found that the biochar obtained as a result of pyrolysis of chemically modified waste rapeseed cake is characterised by its excellent sorption properties. The obtained sorbents are characterised by sorption capacity relative to the copper(II) ion, ranging from 40 mg·g−1 to 100 mg·g−1, according to the pyrolysis conditions and chemical modification method. The purified pyrolysis gas obtained in the high-temperature process can be used to generate heat and energy. Bio-oil, with its significant combustion heat of 36 MJ·kg−1, can be a source of environmentally friendly green biofuel.

Current technology landscape of biochar in carbon capture and storage research via bibliometric analysis

<abstract> <p>This study explores the current technology landscape and intersection of biochar and carbon capture and storage (CCS) within the engineering field, presenting a meticulous analysis gleaned from the Scopus database through bibliometric analysis. In response to the urgent need to address the escalating climate crisis, biochar, with its high carbon content, emerges as a promising and resilient tool for carbon sequestration. A literature review establishes biochar's pivotal role in mitigating climate change with contributions including substantial carbon sequestration potential, economic benefits, and positive impacts on soil structure and crop yields. Distinguishing between the applications of biochar and CCS, this paper emphasizes their complementary roles in decarbonization. By employing VOSviewer, an advanced bibliometric tool, a quantitative exploration of global connections identifying prominent authors, highly cited literature, and research trends is provided. The results reveal a substantial increase in publications related to biochar in CCS, particularly during the rapid development phase from 2016 to 2023, reflecting a growing interest in utilizing biochar as a carbon sink. Key insights from the co-occurrence analysis of keywords shed light on evolving research focuses, with three distinct clusters demonstrating the interconnectedness of adsorption, biochar, and pyrolysis. The precise method highlights a shift in research focus towards more impactful areas, particularly water pollutant removal and adsorption. The conclusion emphasizes biochar's dual role in soil carbon sequestration and carbon capture technologies, showcasing its versatility as a valuable tool in climate change mitigation efforts. Despite challenges in large-scale implementation, biochar, especially in the context of direct air capture and bioenergy CCS, emerges as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent. In summary, this bibliometric analysis encapsulates a rigorous exploration of biochar and CCS, contributing valuable insights for researchers, policymakers and practitioners. By navigating uncharted territory, this study guides future endeavors toward impactful and relevant areas of study in the pursuit of sustainable climate change mitigation.</p> </abstract>

Hydroperiod modulates early growth and biomass partitioning in Rhizophora mangle L.

In mangrove forests, the hydroperiod is strongly related to tidal dynamics, where the periodic oceanic water movement regulates the level, duration, and frequency of the flooding events. In fringe mangrove forests, Rhizophora mangle propagules deal with variable hydroperiod conditions that sometimes compromise their survival. To disentangle the combined effects of duration and intensity of flooding on physiological and growth variables, we imposed a continuous experiment with three levels of flooding and four flooding durations on seedlings of R. mangle. We collected data at 3 and 6.5 months after exposure to the treatments. Propagule reserves allowed plants to evade the effects of the flood level after a 3-month treatment period. After a 6.5-month exposure, physiology and growth were modulated by the flooding time. Individual plants had higher stem length and lower root and total biomass at prolonged and high flooding levels compared to any other flooding combinations. In both ages, the highest total plant biomass was exhibited in the medium flooding levels and 6 h flooding duration. The plasticity index was higher for morphological and biomass variables than for physiological variables. The high morphological plasticity of R. mangle plants constitutes a competitive advantage to colonize flooded sites in fringed mangrove areas. Our results identify schemes to improve the success of mangrove restoration plans, a critical tool for carbon sequestration and ecosystem service provision.

Microeconomics of Nitrogen Fertilization in Boreal Carbon Forestry

The nitrogen fertilization of boreal forests is investigated in terms of microeconomics as a tool for carbon sequestration. The effects of nitrogen fertilization’s timing on the return rate on capital and the expected value of the timber stock are investigated within a set of semi-fertile, spruce-dominated boreal stands using an inventory-based growth model. Early fertilization tends to shorten rotations, reducing timber stock and carbon storage. The same applies to fertilization after the second thinning. Fertilization applied ten years before stand maturity is profitable and increases the timber stock, but the latter effect is small. The fertilization of mature stands, extending any rotation by ten years, effectively increases the carbon stock. Profitability varies but is increased by fertilization instead of merely extending the rotation.

Agricultural use of compost under different irrigation strategies in a hedgerow olive grove under Mediterranean conditions – a comparison with traditional systems

Abstract. Soil and water-efficient management are key factors in ensuring the olive sector's sustainable production practices. The use of compost based on olive waste (alperujo) as fertilizer could enhance ecosystem services while the need to transition to a zero-waste approach based on a circular economy is achieved. The present work includes a comparative study of the effect of alperujo compost (AC) vs. inorganic fertilization under different management systems: a traditional adult olive grove under rainfed conditions and a young hedgerow olive system, in which a factorial test of tree irrigation regimes (full, deficit and no irrigation) is implemented as well. At the hedgerow plots, the addition of AC and soil sampling time greatly impacted soil chemical parameters and, to a lesser extent, enzymatic activities, whereas irrigation regimes did not exert a marked influence. In the traditional rainfed system, the addition of AC proved to be an efficient tool for carbon sequestration. The first soil sampling revealed a clear stoichiometric relationship between soil organic matter (SOM) and the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) contents in both systems, whereas the correlations were weak and scarce in the second sampling at the hedgerow plots. This fact was related to the decay of the compost effect. Compost in combination with irrigation tended to trigger a certain priming effect on the native SOM with time since the carbon stocks were reduced between 6 % and 38 % from one sampling to the other in the hedgerow system, depending on the irrigation intensity. However, the deficit irrigation caused a less intense reduction of the SOM and essential nutrients representing the best alternative to maximizing the agronomic effects of the compost under a water-saving strategy. Recurrent application of compost would be necessary to maintain soil quality, especially with high tree densities. The combined management of AC and the deficit irrigation proved to be an efficient tool toward a zero-waste circular economy and a water conservation strategy.

Preproduction of wooden buildings makes them a promising tool for carbon sequestration

Preproduction of wooden buildings makes them a promising tool for carbon sequestration

Carbon sequestrating fertilizers as a tool for carbon sequestration in agriculture under aridisols

Carbon sequestrating fertilizers as a tool for carbon sequestration in agriculture under aridisols

Soil Health Beneath Amended Switchgrass: Effects of Biochar and Nitrogen on Active Carbon and Wet Aggregate Stability

Perennial crops, like switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), are important for bioenergy production and long-term carbon sequestration. Biochar, a byproduct of certain bioenergy production processes, is also identified as a potential tool for carbon sequestration and soil quality improvements, especially in marginal soils. Despite the focus on switchgrass, soil health characteristics under switchgrass production for biomass are unclear. This study focused on identifying the effects of four N rates (0, 17, 34, and 67 kg N ha−1) and biochar application (0 and 9 Mg ha−1) in a 3-year switchgrass field study on a silt loam soil. Soil active carbon (AC) and wet aggregate stability (WAS) were the indicators used to assess soil health. Our results indicated a decline in both AC and WAS over the study period, similar to other studies. Wet aggregate stability declined from 32% in 2018 to 15% in 2019. There were some significant differences between treatments, but no defined trends were observed. A decline in AC from 301 mg C kg soil−1 to 267 mg C kg soil−1 was also observed over the three-year period. Nitrogen rate also affected AC in the last year of study. Several possible explanations for the observed changes are proposed; however, a definitive mechanism is still unknown, thus future research is essential to improve our understanding and provide wider acceptance.

The potential fertilizer value of Namibian beach-cast seaweed (Laminaria pallida and Gracilariopsis funicularis) biochar as a nutrient source in organic agriculture

Biochar has been reported as an efficient tool for carbon sequestration and soil quality improvement, though most research has evaluated the quality of biochar from terrestrial based materials. The study evaluated the macro; micro nutrients and heavy metal concentrations of biochar from seaweeds from Namibian coast. Seaweed species Laminaria pallida and Gracilariopsis funicularis were pyrolysed at different temperatures i.e. control (uncharred); 200; 400; 600 and 800 °C in order to determine the chemical and physical properties of the biochar produced. There were significant interactions (P < 0.05) between temperature and seaweed species on most parameters measured. A pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C resulted in an almost 50% reduction in biochar yield, with higher temperatures resulting in even more yield loss whilst producing biochar with higher alkaline pH above 7 and high EC above 20 mS/cm. G. funicularis biochar resulted in the highest macro element content with total C 38.3%; N 4.3% and P 6.3 g/kg, whilst L. pallida biochar had the highest contents of cations of 16.2 g/kg Ca; 6.4 g/kg Mg; 151 g/kg K and 45 g/kg Na. Higher pyrolysis temperatures did not result in consistent changes in total heavy metal content, with only Cd content being above the maximum permissible limits for biochar of 3.9 mg/kg. Generally, a pyrolysis temperature of 400°C was observed to give biochar with the best quality in terms of macro elements, pH and total C. G. funicularis biochar showed significantly higher nutrient concentrations, therefore has great potential in soil quality improvement.

Effect of bentonite-mineral co-pyrolysis with macroalgae on physicochemical property and dye uptake capacity of bentonite/biochar composite

Abstract The effect of bentonite-mineral co-pyrolysis in amounts of 5%, 10%, and 20% with macroalgae (Saccharina japonica; kelp) on the physicochemical property changes and dye adsorption of the bentonite/biochar composite was investigated. Mathematical relations to assess the contribution of mineral and biochar components of the bentonite/biochar composite on cationic, crystal violet (CV) and anionic, Congo red (CR) dye uptake were first developed via comparison with bentonite/biochar blends from stand-alone pyrolysis of kelp and bentonite. Results demonstrated that bentonite was successfully loaded into the biochar matrix, increased mesoporosity (2.67–12.7 nm), and simultaneously enhanced bio-oil (by 7.4%–35%) and biochar yields (by 6.0%–13.6%). The carbon sequestration potential increased by 27% on co-pyrolysis with 5% bentonite with an adsorption capacity value amongst the highest for CV (1275 mg/g); dominated by chemisorption. Mathematical derivations and calculations showed that co-pyrolysis enhanced adsorption capacity contribution of bentonite ( f q , P y B , c o > 0) on both dyes. Synergy comparison (rq,co/sp) between bentonite/biochar composites from the co-pyrolysis and stand-alone pyrolysis were comparable on CR and CV with 20% bentonite but superior for co-pyrolysis (rq,co/sp=1.79), on CR adsorption with 10% bentonite. Bentonite/biochar composite thus harbor potential as an effective wastewater treatment and carbon sequestration tool.

Biochar insights from laboratory incubations monitoring O2 consumption and CO2 production

Biochar has been touted as a long-term carbon sequestration tool. However, there are no studies evaluating biochar’s effect on oxygen (O2) consumption as a measure of the microbial respiration response to biochar. To gain insight into this aspect, we evaluated O2 consumption rates to test the hypothesis that biochar is an efficient agent for carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in soils. Four different biochar types and one activated charcoal were incubated alone and associated with three different soils for approximately 2 months in laboratory incubations. Headspace concentration of CO2 and O2 was periodically quantified. The data presented here confirm that the CO2 production following biochar’s addition to soils results in a process that is correlated to oxygen consumption. However, this overall stimulation is not clearly related to biochar type. Activated carbon resulted in the highest statistically significant stimulation of activity, despite it possessing the lowest quantity of volatile carbon and mineral nutrient sources. Taking into consideration our results, we conclude that using biochar does achieve total carbon sequestration. However, the amount of available soil organic carbon following soil incorporation appears to be reduced following biochar addition and its long-term implication on this mineralizable soil organic carbon pool does deserve more research attention.

Co-Pyrolysis Biochar Derived from Rape Straw and Phosphate Rock: Carbon Retention, Aromaticity, and Pb Removal Capacity

Biochar has been recognized as a promising tool for carbon sequestration and heavy metal removal from contaminated water. To promote the application of biochar in environment improvement, the effec...

Effectiveness of enhanced mineral weathering as a carbon sequestration tool and alternative to agricultural lime: An incubation experiment

Applying finely ground silicate minerals to soils could mitigate CO2 emissions by enhancing the rate of carbon sequestration via silicate weathering. Using these minerals instead of agricultural lime to increase soil pH would also eliminate the dissolution of lime as a major source of agricultural CO2 emissions. However, dissolution rates of silicate minerals in the soil environment are uncertain and impacts of their application on the decomposition of soil organic matter have yet to be determined. A 3-month soil incubation was performed to investigate the effects of olivine, a highly weatherable silicate mineral, at two application rates (OLIVlow, OLIVhigh) on soil CO2 flux, available Mg and Al, and pH in comparison to control and lime-amended soils. There was no difference in cumulative net CO2 flux between the olivine-amended soils and the control though total flux from the limed soils was 221% higher than the control. Heterotrophic respiration was also greatest in the lime-amended soils. The weathering rate of OLIVlow (26.7%) was higher than of OLIVhigh (7.1%), but both treatments increased soil pH to a level sufficient to overcome aluminum toxicity. Our results suggest that olivine amendments are an effective tool for carbon sequestration and a suitable replacement for lime.

Modelling the impacts of different carbon sources on the soil organic carbon stock and CO2 emissions in the Foggia province (Southern Italy)

The effects of systematic compost addition or cover cropping throughout the agricultural land of the Foggia province (Southern Italy) on the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and the CO2-C emissions were predicted over a period of 20years (1994–2013).Therefore, the bio-physical model RothC10N was used in combination with spatially explicit input data including soil types, soil textures, land use and climate. Actual crop successions and crop types on a grid with a resolution of 30-arc sec (1km at the equator) were included in the input data.Compost application and cover cropping were not adopted as a general input to all soils and land use classes, but according to applicability in the particular cropping systems, therefore representing a realistic input scenario under given soil use practices in the area.The results of the modelling process were spatialized with regression kriging, using soil maps, land use maps and satellite images as co-variates.While the control scenario led to a SOC depletion of 0.81 Tg and a total CO2-C emission of 21.1 Tg over 20years in the Foggia province, systematic compost addition could reduce the loss of SOC to 0.56 Tg C while slightly increasing CO2-C emissions to 21.6 of Tg C. Cover cropping led to an overall SOC accumulation of 0.61 Tg and cumulated CO2-C emissions of 24.6 of Tg. Cover cropping therefore represents the most promising tool for carbon sequestration in the Foggia province.

Effect of grazing on carbon sequestration and tree growth that is developed in a silvopastoral system under wild cherry (Prunus avium L.)

Silvopastoral systems have been considered a good tool for carbon sequestration by taking up atmospheric carbon dioxide and storing it in the soil. The effect of animal presence on carbon sequestration in this type of agroforestry system has been studied recently. However, the soil carbon storage in these systems is influenced by the stocking rate. In addition, soil fractions have been known to influence carbon storage. This study was undertaken in order to examine the effects of livestock grazing at two different stocking rates [Light Stocking Rate (LS; 4sheepha−1) and Heavy Stocking Rate (HS; 8sheepha−1)]. This was compared with the soil chemical and physical properties of No Grazing (NG) pastures, the amount of C stored in the whole soil, in three different soil fractions (250–2000, 53–250, and <53μm), at each of four soil depths (0–25, 25–50, 50–75, and 75–100cm), and the tree growth in a silvopastoral system under Prunus avium L. The presence of animals in silvopastoral systems plays an important role in carbon sequestration by the direct or indirect modifications of the pH, the soil bulk density, and the soil fraction proportions. The LS treatment promoted carbon sequestration linked to macroaggregates in the upper soil layers when compared with the HS treatment and the NG treatment. However, in deep horizons, the NG treatment enhanced the soil organic carbon storage more than did the grazing treatments and this carbon was linked to microaggregates, increasing the soil density. A better carbon concentration was found when 1m of soil depth was evaluated in an LS treatment, but no differences were apparent in the carbon storage per hectare that were found due to a high soil bulk density in an NG treatment.

Physical and chemical characterization of biochars derived from different agricultural residues

Abstract. Biochar is widely recognized as an efficient tool for carbon sequestration and soil fertility. The understanding of its chemical and physical properties, which are strongly related to the type of the initial material used and pyrolysis conditions, is crucial to identify the most suitable application of biochar in soil. A selection of organic wastes with different characteristics (e.g., rice husk (RH), rice straw (RS), wood chips of apple tree (Malus pumila) (AB), and oak tree (Quercus serrata) (OB)) were pyrolyzed at different temperatures (400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 °C) in order to optimize the physicochemical properties of biochar as a soil amendment. Low-temperature pyrolysis produced high biochar yields; in contrast, high-temperature pyrolysis led to biochars with a high C content, large surface area, and high adsorption characteristics. Biochar obtained at 600 °C leads to a high recalcitrant character, whereas that obtained at 400 °C retains volatile and easily labile compounds. The biochar obtained from rice materials (RH and RS) showed a high yield and unique chemical properties because of the incorporation of silica elements into its chemical structure. The biochar obtained from wood materials (AB and OB) showed high carbon content and a high absorption character.

A techno-economic analysis of microalgae remnant catalytic pyrolysis and upgrading to fuels

Microalgae have been proposed as potentially promising feedstock for the production of renewable transportation fuels. The plants are intriguing for their capacity to serve both as a source of renewable carbon fuels and as a powerful tool for carbon sequestration. Microalgae remnant, a low-cost by-product of microalgae lipid extraction, is a particularly appealing candidate for these processes. Through catalytic pyrolysis, microalgae remnant is capable of producing aromatic hydrocarbons that could be used for the production of drop-in biofuels. One of the most challenging barriers to this promising pathway is the high moisture content of harvested microalgae.The goal of this study is to compare the economics of two catalytic pyrolysis pathways for the production of drop-in biofuels, each pathway employing its own distinct method of feedstock dewatering: thermal drying or partial mechanical dewatering. The study presents chemical process models, capital expense and operating cost estimates, and sensitivity analyses of both scenarios.Results indicate that thermal drying prior to catalytic pyrolysis (TDCP) incurs capital costs similar to those incurred in partial mechanical dewatering prior to catalytic pyrolysis (MDCP) ($346million vs. $409million). TDCP and MDCP yield minimum fuel-selling prices (MFSPs) of $1.80/l and $1.49/l, respectively. Energy analysis shows that TDCP achieves 16.8% energy efficiency and MDCP achieves 26.7% efficiency.

Using CO2 to enhance carbon capture and biomass applications of freshwater macroalgae

AbstractA major limiting factor in the development of algae as a feedstock for the bioenergy industry is the consistent production and supply of biomass. This study is the first to access the suitability of the freshwater macroalgal genus Oedogonium to supply biomass for bioenergy applications. Specifically, we quantified the effect of CO2 supplementation on the rate of biomass production, carbon capture, and feedstock quality of Oedogonium when cultured in large‐scale outdoor tanks. Oedogonium cultures maintained at a pH of 7.5 through the addition of CO2 resulted in biomass productivities of 8.33 (±0.51) g DW m−2 day−1, which was 2.5 times higher than controls which had an average productivity of 3.37 (±0.75) g DW m−2 day−1. Under these productivities, Oedogonium had a carbon content of 41–45% and a higher heating value of 18.5 MJ kg−1, making it an ideal biomass energy feedstock. The rate of carbon fixation was 1380 g C m−2 yr−1 and 1073.1 g C m−2 yr−1 for cultures maintained at a pH of 7.5 and 8.5, and 481 g C m−2 yr−1 for cultures not supplemented with CO2. This study highlights the potential of integrating the large‐scale culture of freshwater macroalgae with existing carbon waste streams, for example coal‐fired power stations, both as a tool for carbon sequestration and as an enhanced and sustainable source of bioenergy.

Soil C and N changes with afforestation of grasslands across gradients of precipitation and plantation age

Afforestation, the conversion of unforested lands to forests, is a tool for sequestering anthropogenic carbon dioxide into plant biomass. However, in addition to altering biomass, afforestation can have substantial effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) pools, some of which have much longer turnover times than plant biomass. An increasing body of evidence suggests that the effect of afforestation on SOC may depend on mean annual precipitation (MAP). The goal of this study was to test how labile and bulk pools of SOC and total soil nitrogen (TN) change with afforestation across a rainfall gradient of 600-1500 mm in the Rio de la Plata grasslands of Argentina and Uruguay. The sites were all former grasslands planted with Eucalyptus spp. Overall, we found that afforestation increased (up to 1012 kg C x ha(-1) x yr(-1)) or decreased (as much as 1294 kg C x ha(-1) x yr(-1)) SOC pools in this region and that these changes were significantly related to MAP. Drier sites gained, and wetter sites lost, SOC and TN (r2 = 0.59, P = 0.003; and r2 = 0.57, P = 0.004, respectively). Labile C and N in microbial biomass and extractable soil pools followed similar patterns to bulk SOC and TN. Interestingly, drier sites gained more SOC and TN as plantations aged, while losses reversed as plantations aged in wet sites, suggesting that plantation age in addition to precipitation is a critical driver of changes in soil organic matter with afforestation. This new evidence implies that longer intervals between harvests for plantations could improve SOC storage, ameliorating the negative trends found in humid sites. Our results suggest that the value of afforestation as a carbon sequestration tool should be considered in the context of precipitation and age of the forest stand.