Manure-derived Biochar Research Articles

Effect of sheep manure-derived biochar on colloidal phosphorus release in soils from various land uses.

Colloidal phosphorus (CP) as an additional route of P mobilization in soil solution has gained much attention. A batch experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of sheep manure-derived biochar (SMB) on CP release from various land uses (paddy, vegetable, tea, and citrus) at a rate of 0% as a control treatment (CK), 1% as a low (L) level, 2% as a middle (M) level, and 4% as a high (H) level of SMB application. The CP and MRPcoll in the solution increased from 30.58 to 88.97% and from 2.45 to 55.54% of total P (TP), respectively. The SMB enhanced CP release in all the soils and all the treatments (except CK and L levels in tea soil; CK, L, and M levels in vegetable soil; and L and M levels in citrus soil). Multiple linear regression revealed a significant correlation between CP and MRPcoll and between colloidal iron, aluminum, calcium, and total organic carbon (Fecoll, Alcoll, Cacoll, and TOCcoll) and pH, which may play an important role as CP carriers that could depend on the pH. This study suggests that the application of SMB in the soil at an appropriate rate of 1 and 2% for tea and vegetable soils, respectively, could be beneficial to avoid the risk of CP release in water bodies.

Comparable effects of manure and its biochar on reducing soil Cr bioavailability and narrowing the rhizosphere extent of enzyme activities

Chromium (Cr) contamination is especially hazardous to soil biota. Application of manure and biochar has been frequently proposed to remediate Cr-contaminated soil. However, the understanding of mechanisms behind manure and biochar impacts on soil enzyme activities requires advanced visualization technologies. For the first time, we compared manure and its biochar influence on the spatial distribution of β-glucosidase, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase and phosphomonoesterase activities in Cr-contaminated soil using direct zymography. Maize was planted for 45 days in (a) soil mixed with manure, (b) soil mixed with manure-derived biochar and (c) soil without any addition. Soil pH decreased over 45 days, inducing an increase in acid soluble Cr. The concomitant decrease in β-glucosidase and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activities explained the narrowing rhizosphere extent of enzyme activities by 13–44%, indicating that increased Cr bioavailability decreases microbial activities. A larger maize performance index and the greatest plant shoot/root ratio after biochar application suggested enhanced maize growth (p < 0.05). In contrast, manure induced the narrowest extent of β-glucosidase and phosphomonoesterase activities due to the addition of labile organic compounds and nutrients following its application. Our study emphasizes the importance of pH on Cr bioavailability and enzyme activities and demonstrates that biochar application is more ideally suited for remediating Cr-contaminated soil.

Mechanistic evaluation of biochar potential for plant growth promotion and alleviation of chromium-induced phytotoxicity in Ficus elastica.

The potential of biochar to enhance phytorestoration of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]-contaminated soils was investigated. Rooted cuttings of Ficus elastica Roxb. Ex Hornem were transplanted to soil treated with 0 or 25 mg kg-1 Cr(VI), ‒Cr and+Cr designations respectively, and amended with cattle manure-derived biochar at 0, 10 and 50gkg-1. Plants were grown for 180 d in a temperature-controlled greenhouse. In the ‒Cr treatment, biochar addition enhanced plant growth without affecting plant water status, leaf nutrient levels, photochemical efficiency, or hormone levels. In the absence of biochar, Ficus growth in the+Cr treatment was stunted, exhibiting decreased leaf and root relative water content and photochemical efficiency. Adding biochar to+Cr soil resulted in decreased Cr uptake into plant tissues and alleviated the toxic effects of soil Cr(VI) on plant growth and physiology, including decreased leaf lipid peroxidation. High-resolution electron microscopy and spectroscopy elucidated the biochar role in decreasing Cr mobility, bioavailability, and phytotoxicity. Spectroscopic evidence is suggestive that biochar mediated the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), which was subsequently incorporated into organomineral agglomerates formed at biochar surfaces. The dual function of biochar in improving F.elastica performance and detoxifying Cr(VI) demonstrates that biochar holds much potential for enhancing phytorestoration of Cr(VI)-contaminated soils.

Effects of biochar amendments on antibiotic resistome of the soil and collembolan gut.

A diverse array of ARGs has been detected in the guts of soil fauna residing in farmland soil. Biochar has been widely used in farmland for soil remediation and improvement of soil quality; however, the effects of biochar amendment on the gut-associated ARGs of soil fauna remain unclear. In the present study, collembolans were cultivated in soils amended with 6 types of biochars. High-throughput qPCR was used to establish ARG profiles of the collembolan guts as well as the surrounding soils. A total of 73 and 162 subtypes of ARGs were detected in the collembolan guts and soils, respectively. Biochar amendment significantly altered the ARG compositions of the collembolan guts and soils, in a biochar quality-dependent manner. However, only manure-derived biochar, which contained elevated concentrations of heavy metals, increased the relative abundance of gut-associated ARGs. Changes in the gut microbial community, MGEs and biochar properties explained 84% of the total ARG variations in the collembolan guts. The findings of this study suggested that biochar properties should receive more attention, as high doses of heavy metals in biochar could increase the abundance of ARGs in collembolan guts, thereby contributing to the spread of ARGs in the environment through collembolan movement.

The characterization of biochars derived from rice straw and swine manure, and their potential and risk in N and P removal from water

Nowadays, the plant residual derived biochars have been widely applied to remove nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from water. However, the application of animal manure derived biochars in N and P removal was less studied. To compare the different efficiency and risk of plant residual- and animal manure-derived biochar in removing N and P from water, this study chose rice straw and swine manure as representative to produce biochar at 700 °C, and modified the produced biochar by MgCl2. Then, the characteristics, removal efficiency and release of N and P of biochars were investigated. The results showed swine manure-biochars generally had higher ash content and cation exchange capacity (CEC), but lower pH and surface area relative to rice straw-biochars. Besides, MgCl2 modification reduced the ash content and surface area of both raw biochars, whereas the pH, CEC and pore size were enhanced. Furthermore, this work demonstrated that ammonium and nitrate could be removed by all biochars to certain extent, and MgCl2 modified biochars generally had higher removal efficiency. However, none of phosphate removal was achieved by all biochars. Additionally, the release of ammonium, nitrate and phosphate from biochars was observed, suggesting there might be a risk for applying biochars in N and P removal from water. Notably, the MgCl2 modification seemed to accelerate N and P release from biochars. This work provided important information that the production and modification of biochars should be carefully designed for higher removal efficiency of pollutants. Meanwhile, the risk of released pollutants as well as the release mechanisms should be paid more attention in the future.

Cow manure-derived biochar: Its catalytic properties and influential factors.

The conversion of waste biomass into biochar is considered as a waste disposal alternative, especially because biochar is a low-cost adsorbent for soil contaminants. However, a risk of desorption of contaminants from biochar may lead to secondary pollution. This study investigated the degradation behavior of soil fumigant, 1,3-dichloropropne (1,3-D), on cow manure-derived biochar (CMB) pyrolyzed at five different temperatures from 300 to 700 °C (termed as C-300 to C-700). Results showed that 1,3-D degradation rate was U-shape related to biochar pyrolysis temperature. Four degradation byproducts (NH2CH2CH2CH3OH, CH3CH2NH2, NH2COCONH2, OHCH2COOH) were identified by headspace GC-MS. When biochar humidity improved from 0 to 50% or incubation temperature increased from 20 to 40 °C, the degradation of cis-1,3-D on C-300 improved 24.26% and 35.48%, respectively. The OH concentrations, detected by the terephthalic acid method, were considerably higher for C-300 than that for C-700. Pyrolysis temperature (300-700 ° C) governed biochar physicochemical properties and further affected 1,3-D degradation mechanisms (pH-controlled substitution or OH-restricted oxidation reaction). All these findings showed that CMB can adsorb and degrade 1,3-D, thereby reduce its desorption risk, indicative of the conversion of cow manure into biochar as an effective waste management practice.

Kinetic, Isotherm and Thermodynamic Studies on the Adsorption Behavior of Atrazine onto Sheep Manure-Derived Biochar

Kinetic, Isotherm and Thermodynamic Studies on the Adsorption Behavior of Atrazine onto Sheep Manure-Derived Biochar

Integrated effects of cattle manure-derived biochar and soil moisture conditions on soil chemical characteristics and soybean yield

ABSTRACTA greenhouse experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of 0, 25, 50 and 100 ton ha−1 of cattle manure-derived biochar (BC) and soil moisture conditions (SMC) of 100%, 70% and 55% of water-holding capacity (WHC) on soybean production. Most of the macro and micronutrient, soil chemical characteristics and yield production of soybean were significantly affected by BC. Under drought, BC was more effective than that of the non-stressed conditions. Interaction effect of SMC and BC on soil iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) concentrations was also significant indicating that different levels of water supply might show different impact under different levels of BC. Under drought, the higher BC applied, the higher grain yield obtained. Application of 0 to 75 ton BC ha−1 under WHC caused a high grain yield but 100 ton BC ha−1 significantly decreased it as compared with the other levels of BC. Positive impacts of BC may be more pronounced under drought. High level of BC in non-stressed conditions may reduce grain yield as occurred in this study. The statistical techniques indicated that higher content of macro and micronutrients negatively associated with yield production of soybean.

Poultry manure-derived biochar as a soil amendment and fertilizer for sandy soils under arid conditions

Newly reclaimed sandy soils under arid conditions are characterized by poor physical and biochemical properties specially, rapid organic matter decomposition. Field experiment was developed to investigate the feasibility of using poultry manure and its derived biochar integrated with different levels of N fertilizer as a soil amendment and fertilizer for newly reclaimed sandy soils in Western Desert of El-Minia Governorate, Egypt. Results showed that application of poultry manure (PM) or its derived biochar (PMB) in combination with inorganic N levels had caused significant changes on a range of the investigated sandy soil biochemical properties including pH, EC, mineral N, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic N (DON) and quotient DOC/DON. Overall, the impact of PMB on soil physical properties was detected to be superior than the impact of PM, regardless the inorganic N levels. In addition, the obtained results showed that poultry manure (PM) and its derived biochar (PMB) application had the capacity to stimulate vigorous growth and production levels of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), and to increase soil organic matter content and N-uptake and recovery compared to control. The interesting feature of this research is that PMD increased treated sandy soil organic carbon (SOC) 1.75 times more than soil treated with PM itself at the end of cropping seasons. It could be concluded that biochar derived from organic wastes considers as a source of stabile carbon and could be very hopeful choice for substituting easily decomposable organic manures under arid conditions. The interesting feature of this research is that PMD increased treated sandy soil organic carbon (SOC) 1.75 times more than soil treated with PM itself at the end of cropping seasons. It could be concluded that biochar derived from organic wastes considers as a source of stabile carbon and could be very hopeful choice for substituting easily decomposable organic manures under arid conditions.

Polyethyleneimine and carbon disulfide co-modified alkaline lignin for removal of Pb2 + ions from water

This paper reports the efficient removal of Pb2 + ions from water by modified alkaline lignin (MAL), in which alkaline lignin was used as the raw material and ornamented with amine/imine (–NH2/–NH) and dithiocarbamate (–CSS−) groups by using polyethyleneimine (PEI) and carbon disulfide (CS2) as the modifier. The pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model expressed the adsorption kinetics and isotherm well, indicating the adsorption of Pb2 + ions on MAL was a chemisorption and monolayer. The maximum adsorption amount (qm) of MAL towards Pb2 + ions was 79.9 mg/g, significantly higher than that of other reported biomass-based-sorbents such as Hamimelon peels (7.9 mg/g), dairy manure-derived biochar (37.8 mg/g), and acid-treated avocado kernel seeds (21.8 mg/g). Even after six continuous adsorption–desorption cycles, the values of qm for the regenerated MAL at each cycle were still obviously higher than those aforementioned sorbents. The binding affinity of different groups of MAL towards Pb2 + ions followed the sequence: C–N > –NH2 > N–H/O–H > C–S > CS. This work not only gave a comprehensive picture of the adsorption/desorption mechanism of Pb2 + ions on MAL but also evaluated the reusing ability of MAL. These results may provide insights for the further studies on the subsequent construction of devices to be used in bench- and pilot-scale experiments.

Adsorption of phosphate in water on a novel calcium hydroxide-coated dairy manure-derived biochar

Adsorption of phosphate in water on a novel calcium hydroxide-coated dairy manure-derived biochar

Effects of Pyrolysis Temperature and Holding Time on Physicochemical Properties of Swine-Manure-Derived Biochar

Biochars were slowly pyrolyzed from dried swine manure waste by slow pyrolysis at different temperatures (300–750 °C) and heating times (0–120 min). The influence of pyrolysis temperature and heating time on the physicochemical properties of the biochars were studied. It was found that the ash content, pH, mineral nutrients, total heavy metals (except Zn), and pore properties of all swine-manure-derived biochars increased with increasing temperature and time. The yield and N, O, and H contents decreased with increasing temperature and time. The manure-derived biochar was rich in soil macronutrients and micronutrients, such as N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn. Excessive pyrolysis temperature (i.e., 750 °C) significantly increased the electrical conductivities of the biochars, i.e., the amount of soluble salts, and was also associated with the risk of volatilization of heavy metals (e.g., Zn) with low melting point. Linear correlation analyses showed that there were significant correlations between physical and chemical characteristics of the biochars, and the P values of correlation coefficients were often < 0.001. The principal component analysis implied that the properties of the swine-manure-derived biochars were mainly affected by ash content. Furthermore, the chemical and pore properties were also consistent with the observations of the XRD and FTIR. The swine-manure-derived biochar at 450 °C after 60 min could be used as an excellent medium to soil environment because of relatively low soluble salts and heavy metals, abundant mesoporous pores, surface functional groups, and nutrients.

Adsorption and thermodynamic mechanisms of manganese removal from aqueous media by biowaste-derived biochars

In the present investigation, poultry manure and farmyard manure-derived biochars were applied as cost-effective adsorbents for manganese (Mn) removal from aqueous media. Effects of functional parameters such as solution pH, contact time, temperature and concentration on the Mn removal efficiency of biochars were evaluated. Poultry manure-derived biochar exhibited greater adsorption efficiency than farmyard manure-derived biochar due to its porosity and surface functionality. The maximum adsorption was achieved at pH 6, temperature 298 K and contact time of 3 h. The adsorption isotherm data was well fitted to the Freundlich model indicating multilayer adsorption onto heterogeneous surfaces of the biochars. Thermodynamics calculations affirmed that Mn adsorption onto biochars was spontaneous and exothermic process governed by hydrogen bonding type of electrostatic interaction. Post-adsorption spectroscopic analysis of Mn-loaded biochars evidenced the binding of Mn with active surface functionalities of biochars.

Effects of biochar on availability and plant uptake of heavy metals – A meta-analysis

Biochar can be an effective amendment for immobilizing heavy metals in contaminated soils but has variable effects depending on its chemical and physical properties and those of the treated soil. To investigate the range of biochar's effects on heavy metal accumulation in plants in responses to the variation of soil, biochar and plant, we carried out a meta-analysis of the literature that was published before March 2016. A total of 1298 independent observations were collected from 74 published papers. Results showed that across all studies, biochar addition to soils resulted in average decreases of 38, 39, 25 and 17%, respectively, in the accumulation of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in plant tissues. The effect of biochar on heavy metal concentrations in plants varied depending on soil properties, biochar type, plant species, and metal contaminants. The largest decreases in plant heavy metal concentrations occurred in coarse-textured soils amended with biochar. Biochar had a relatively small effect on plant tissue Pb concentrations, but a large effect on plant Cu concentrations when applied to alkaline soils. Plant uptake of Pb, Cu and Zn was less in soils with higher organic carbon contents. Manure-derived biochar was the most effective for reducing Cd and Pb concentrations in plants as compared to biochars derived from other feedstock. Biochar having a high pH and used at high application rates resulted in greater decreases in plant heavy metal uptake. The meta-analysis provides useful guidelines on the range of effects that can be anticipated for different biochar materials in different plant-soil systems.

How does biochar influence soil N cycle? A meta-analysis

Modern agriculture is driving the release of excessive amounts of reactive nitrogen (N) from the soils to the environment, thereby threatening ecological balances and functions. The amendment of soils with biochar has been suggested as a promising solution to regulate the soil N cycle and reduce N effluxes. However, a comprehensive and quantitative understanding of biochar impacts on soil N cycle remains elusive. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the influence of biochar on different variables involved in soil N cycle using data compiled across 208 peer-reviewed studies. On average, biochar beneficially increases symbiotic biological N2 fixation (63%), improves plant N uptake (11%), reduces soil N2O emissions (32%), and decreases soil N leaching (26%), but it poses a risk of increased soil NH3 volatilization (19%). Biochar-induced increase in soil NH3 volatilization commonly occurs in studies with soils of low buffering capacity (soil pH ≤ 5, organic carbon≤10 g kg−1, or clay texture), the application of high alkaline biochar (straw- or manure-derived biochar), or biochar at high application rate (>40 t ha−1). Besides, if the pyrolytic syngas is not purified, the biochar production process may be a potential source of N2O and NOx emissions which correspond to 2–4% and 3–24% of the feedstock-N, respectively. This study suggests that to make biochar beneficial for decreasing soil N effluxes, clean advanced pyrolysis technique and adapted use of biochar are of great importance.

Characterization the potential of biochar from cow and pig manure for geoecology application

Biochar is a solid product generated from the carbonization of biomass with various potential benefits. The utilisation of biochar should be adapted to its characteristic which is mainly influenced by its feedstock. In this study, cow and pig manure biochar generated by a conventional process, were characterized by its physical and chemical analysis and its potential to be used as soil amendment. For this purpose, several main parameters were analyzed: organic carbon, Nutrient (total-N, available P and K) status, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), proximate data analysis (moisture content, ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon) and its ash composition. The comparison between biochar and feedstock will be based on these parameters. The results of this study show that the organic carbon, available P, ash, and fixed carbon content of pig-manure biochar is higher than cow manure-derived biochar; while total-N, available K, CEC and volatile matter is lower. On its ash composition, the pig manure-derived biochar is dominated by SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, P2O5, and CaO while the cow manure-derived biochar is dominated by SiO2, CaO, Al2O3, K2O, and P2O5. However, both biochar show potential for improving soil quality and reducing carbon emission from animal manure.

Animal manure-derived biochars produced via fast pyrolysis for the removal of divalent copper from aqueous media

Here, we report a pyrolyzed guinea fowl manure-derived biochar (GFM-BC) and cattle manure-derived biochar (CTM-BC) and their use as adsorbent for the removal of divalent copper from aqueous media was evaluated. The BCs physical and chemical properties were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Elemental dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results presented that the BCs obtained higher content were quite effective for Cu (II) removal with maximum capacities of 43.60 and 44.50 mg g−1 for GFM-BC and CTM-BC, respectively. From simulation of experimental data with different adsorption isotherms and kinetics models it was found that the adsorption of both BCs was adequately fitted by Freundlich adsorption model and pseudo-second order kinetic model, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters suggested that the adsorption of Cu (II) onto both BCs was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic under evaluated parameters. Thus, the biomass used in this study proved to be effective adsorbents for the removal of Cu (II) from aqueous media.

Chemical speciation and risk assessment of Cu and Zn in biochars derived from co-pyrolysis of pig manure with rice straw

Pig manure has been utilized as a good feedstock to produce biochar. However, the pig manure-derived biochar from intensive pig cultivation contains high levels of total and bioavailable heavy metals. In this study, the co-pyrolysis of pig manure with other biomass (e.g. rice straw) at 300–700 °C was investigated to solve the above-mentioned topic. The ammonium acetate (CH3COONH4), Tessier sequential extraction procedure and hydrogen peroxide were adopted to evaluate the bioavailability, chemical speciation, and potential risk of Cu and Zn in the biochars. Results showed that the addition of rice straw significantly reduced the concentrations of total, exchangeable and carbonate-associated Cu and Zn in the biochars compared to the single pig manure biochars. Co-pyrolysis of pig manure with rice straw at a mass ratio of 1:3 and at 600 °C could be most effective to reduce the concentrations of CH3COONH4-extractable and potential released Cu and Zn in the biochars. In conclusion, the co-pyrolysis process is a feasible management for the safe disposal of metal-polluted pig manure in an attempt to reduce the bioavailability and potential risk of heavy metals at relatively high pyrolysis temperatures.

Characteristics of biochar produced from yak manure at different pyrolysis temperatures and its effects on the yield and growth of highland barley

ABSTRACTThe yak manure based biochar was produced at different temperatures of 300, 500 and 700 ℃ held for 3 h, which was characterized by BET surface area, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, pH measurement, analysis, scanning electron microscopy and ultimate analysis. The resultant biochar had characteristics of high surface area, high pH, porous structure and rich nutrients such as N, P, Ca, Mg, and K, inferring that the yak manure-derived biochar could be used as a soil conditioner. The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of yak manure derived biochar amendment on the yield and biological traits of highland barley, revealing that adding biochar to soil could increase the yield and growth of highland barley in short-term although the long-term benefits remain to be quantified. The present results can be useful to fill the knowledge gap regarding the potential of yak manure derived biochar to soil improvement.

Biochar influences growth performance and heavy metal accumulation in spinach under wastewater irrigation

This pot-based study investigated the influence of cow-manure-derived slow pyrolyzed biochar on the growth performance and accumulation of Nickle (Ni), Zink (Zn), Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe) in the aboveground plant biomass of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) grown under wastewater and groundwater irrigation. Biochar was applied in soil with or without manure (mixture of dung of cow and sheep/goat) at 3, 5 and 10% rates. Biochar application at 5% and when co-applied with manure at all application rates increased aboveground plant biomass under wastewater and groundwater irrigation. Application of biochar at 5 and 10% rates and when co-amended with manure at all application rates, increased the leaf area index under wastewater irrigation but caused no influence under groundwater irrigation. Biochar amendment at 5% rate reduced while at 10% rate and when co-applied with manure at 3 and 5% application rates increased root biomass under wastewater irrigation. Under groundwater irrigation, amendment of biochar at 10% and when co-applied with manure at 3 and 10% increased root biomass. Under wastewater irrigation, application of biochar tended to reduce the concentration of Ni when co-amended with manure while increased the concentration of Cu in aboveground plant tissues at 3 and 5% rates and when co-applied with manure at 10% rate. In conclusion, manure-derived biochar increased crop growth performance and influenced accumulation of heavy metals in aboveground plant tissues under wastewater and groundwater irrigation. Application of manure with biochar reduced concentration of Ni under wastewater irrigation and enhanced crop growth performance under groundwater irrigation.