Potential Use Of Biochar Research Articles

Potential Use of Biochar from Various Waste Biomass as Biosorbent in Co(II) Removal Processes

The removal of Co(II) ions from aqueous media was done using three types of biochars obtained from algae waste biomass, mustard waste biomass, and soy waste biomass. The biochar samples were obtained by pyrolysis of waste biomass resulted from biofules production, at relative low temperature (600–650 °C), and this procedure can be considered a suitable alternative to reduce the volume of such waste. FTIR spectra recorded for each type of biochar reveal the presence of several functional groups that can be used as binding sites for Co(II) retention. The batch biosorption experiments were performed as a function of initial Co(II) ions concentration and contact time, at constant solution pH (5.0), sorbent dose (8.0 g/L), and room temperature (25 ± 1 °C). The sorption experiments showed that the Co(II) ions retention reaches the equilibrium in maximum 60 min, and the maximum sorption capacity follows the order: Mustard biochar (MBC—24.21 mg/g) < soy biochar (SBC—19.61 mg/g) < algae biochar (ABC—11.90 mg/g). The modeling of experimental data proves that the retention of Co(II) ions from aqueous solution occurs through electrostatic interactions, and that the sorption process takes place until a monolayer coverage is formed on the outer surface of the biochar. This information is very useful in the design of a suitable desorption system. The desorption results showed that by treating the biochar samples loaded with Co(II) ions with 0.1 mol/L HNO3 solution, over 92% of Co(II) ions are desorbed and can be recovered, and the biochar samples can be used in at least three sorption/desorption cycles. All the experimental observations sustain the potential use of biochar obtained from different types of waste biomass as a promising alternative sorbent for the removal of Co(II) ions from aqueous media.

Potential use of biochar, compost and iron grit associated with Trifolium repens to stabilize Pb and As on a multi-contaminated technosol

Vegetation cover can be used in the phytomanagement of polluted areas by adding value to abandoned sites and reducing the dispersion of pollutants by erosion. Appropriate amendments, that allow both efficient plant growth and the immobilization of contaminants in the soil must be chosen in order to optimize the efficiency of this process. We used a mining technosol mainly contaminated by arsenic (1068 mg kg−1) and lead (23387 mg kg−1) to study the effect of three amendments (biochar, compost and iron grit) on (i) physico-chemical properties of the soil and soil pore water, (ii) metal(loid) mobility, bioavailability and bioaccessibility (CaCl2 and Simple Bioaccessibility Extraction Test (SBET)), and (iii) the capability of Trifolium repens to germinate and grow. All the amendments used increased the pH and electrical conductivity of the SPW, resulting in a 90% decrease in the concentration of lead in the soil pore water (SPW). We also demonstrated a decrease in Pb phytoavailability. The amendments allowed the establishment of a plant cover, although the addition of iron grit alone did not allow any clover germination. For the Pontgibaud technosol, the combination of the three amendments resulted in a significant decrease in As and Pb concentrations in clover tissues, mainly in the aerial organs. The amendments also made it possible for some of them to halve the phytoavailable fraction of arsenic. However, for compost, both the As concentrations in the SPW, and the bioavailable fraction of As increased. All the amendments used had contrasting effects on the bioaccessible fractions of metal(loid)s. The most efficient amendment combination was the addition of 5% biochar and 5% compost.

Progress of using biochar as a catalyst in thermal conversion of biomass

Abstract Biochar is a solid residual produced from the thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass via pyrolysis or gasification. It is abundantly available and has a unique structure as well as multiple functionalities. This makes biochar a potential candidate for use as a catalyst or support in catalytic reactions relating to biomass conversion such as catalytic pyrolysis, gasification, esterification of bio-oil, tar reforming, hydrothermal treatments and upgrading of bio-oil. Although numerous studies have been conducted on the potential use of biochar in various catalysis reactions, information on the overall overview and evaluation of the feasibilities of its use, especially in biomass-related conversions, is still limited. This study reviews the state-of-the-art for the production of biochar catalyst as well as its application as a catalyst or support for catalysts in producing biofuel or syngas from biomass. Special attention is given to the reaction pathway of reactants over the surface of biochar and the potential application of biochar in commercial applications. The prospects and challenges for the application of biochar as catalysts for the thermal conversion of biomass are also proposed.

Biochar properties and lead(II) adsorption capacity depend on feedstock type, pyrolysis temperature, and steam activation

Biochar is a promising material for facilitating the reclamation of oil sands process water (OSPW); however, how biochar properties can be optimized for metal removal from OSPW is not well studied. This study was conducted to determine relationships among feedstock type, pyrolysis condition, biochar property, and lead(II) adsorption capacity to demonstrate the potential use of biochar for metal removal from a synthetic OSPW. Sawdust, canola and wheat straw, and manure pellet were pyrolyzed at 300, 500, and 700 °C, with or without steam activation. Increasing pyrolysis temperature increased, with a few exceptions, biochar pH, surface area, and carbon content, but decreased hydrogen and oxygen contents and surface functional groups. Steam activation increased surface area but did not affect other properties. For non-steam-activated biochars, canola and wheat straw biochars produced at 700 °C had the highest lead(II) adsorption capacity (Qmax_Pb), at 108 and 109 mg g−1, respectively. Increasing the pyrolysis temperature increased Qmax_Pb due to increased biochar pH, ash content, and surface area by increasing precipitation, ion exchange, and inner-sphere complexation of lead(II). Steam activation increased lead(II) adsorption capacity for most biochars mainly due to the increased surface area, with the highest Qmax_Pb at 195 mg g−1 for canola straw biochar pyrolyzed at 700 °C with steam activation. The adsorption with time followed a pseudo-second order kinetic model. The results of this study will help select most effective biochars that can be produced from locally available agricultural or forestry byproducts that are optimized for metal removal from synthetic OSPW.

Biowaste-based biochar: A new strategy for fermentative bioethanol overproduction via whole-cell immobilization

This work explores the potential use of biochar as a microbial cell carrier enhancing the efficiency of alcoholic fermentations. Olive kernels, vineyard prunings, sewage sludge and seagrass residues were applied as biowaste for biochar production through pyrolysis at two different temperatures (250 °C and 500 °C), while a commercial type of non-biomass char was also employed for benchmarking purposes. Apart from vineyard prunings pyrolyzed at 250 °C, all other carbonaceous materials presented crystalline phases including halite, calcite, sylvite and/or silicon. Moreover, increase in pyrolysis temperature enhanced biochar’s porosity and BET-specific surface area, which reached 41.7 m2 g−1 for VP-based biochar remaining at lower levels (0.15–5.3 m2 g−1) in other specimens tested. Elemental analysis demonstrated reduction in oxygen and increase in the carbon content of biochars produced at elevated temperatures, while biochar from seagrass included residues of chloride (0.3–5.14%). Three major yeasts were immobilized on materials exhibiting the highest surface areas and applied in repeated batch fermentations using Valencia orange peel hydrolyzates as feedstock. The biocatalysts developed using S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus immobilized on vineyard prunings-based biochar exhibited exceptional ethanol productivities as compared to the relevant literature, which reached 7.2 g L−1 h−1 and 7.3 g L−1 h−1 respectively. Although the aforementioned strains improved biofuel production by 36–52% compared to the conventional process, P. kudriavzevii KVMP10 was not efficient following immobilization on biochar. The approach constitutes an innovative method for bioenergy production, demonstrating a novel application of biochar in industrial biotechnology which incorporates important technological advances such as enhanced biofuel production and biomass recycling.

Potential use of biochar in raising machine-transplanted rice seedlings

Improving seedling quality is important for obtaining high yield in machinetransplanted rice production. In recent years, it has been of interest to use biochar in growing media. However, limited information is available on the potential use of biochar in raising machine-transplanted rice seedlings. This study was conducted to provide such information through determining the effects of biochar addition on machine-transplanted rice seedling traits in a tray experiment. Root length, surface area, volume, and biomass of machine-transplanted rice seedlings grown in nursery soil amended with biochar at a volume-by-volume ratio of 3: 1 (NMSC) were 21–53% greater than those in soil only (NMS). Leaf area, height, basal stem diameter and shoot biomass were 6–21% greater in machinetransplanted rice seedlings grown in NMSC than in NMS. Water culture test showed that number of newly formed roots was 42% more in machine-transplanted rice seedlings grown in NMSC than in NMS. Length of the longest new root was 13% longer in machinetransplanted rice seedlings grown in NMSC than in NMS. These results suggest that biochar presents a potential use in raising machine-transplanted rice seedlings.

Effects of particle size and application rate of rice-husk biochar on chemical properties of tropical wetland soil, rice growth and yield

Besides unpredictable time and duration of flooding occurrence, low soil fertility has been another main agricultural issue at riparian wetland in Indonesia. The objective of this research was to determine the potential use of biochar in improving soil chemical properties, rice growth, and yields. Assessment on the effects of particle sizes (S) and application rates (R) of rice-husk biochar was executed through pot experiments in a greenhouse of Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia, from January to April 2017. The experiment was laid out in randomized block arrangement with three replications. S consisted of particle sizes ≤1 mm (S1) and > 1 mm (S). R consisted of application rates at 1 t ha-1 (R1), 2 t ha-1 (R2), 3 t ha-1 (R3), and 4 t ha-1(R). Rice growth, yield, and growth analysis were measured during vegetative and generative stage. Soil chemical properties were analyzed after harvesting. Results indicated that application of biochar increased soil pH but did not affect cation exchange capacity (CEC), and availability of major soil nutrients. During vegetative stage, biochar application increased relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) but decreased leaf are ratio (LAR). R4 treatment significantly increased grain weight per panicle, number of filled spikelet, and weight of 1000 grains. Root and stem N content tended to be higher with biochar application. Application of biochar on riparian wetland soil exhibited some promising positive impacts on soil properties, growth, and yield of rice. However, a long term study on residual effects of biochar application in tropical riparian wetland needs to be pursued further for a more comprehensive understanding on this issue.

Characterization and Potential Use of Biochar for the Remediation of Coal Mine Waste Containing Efflorescent Salts

In open pit coal mining, soil and vegetation are removed prior to the start of mining activities, causing physical, chemical, and microbiological changes to the soil and landscape. The present work shows the results of an integrated study of the remediation of mine waste with a high level of salt contamination in areas of the Cesar Department (Colombia), employing biochar as an amendment. Physical-chemical properties including Munsell color, texture, pH, electrical conductivity, water-holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, metal content, organic carbon, sulfates, extractable P, and total nitrogen were characterized both in the soils contaminated with mine residues and the biochar sample. A high concentration of sulfates, calcium, iron, and aluminum and a significant presence of Na, followed by minor amounts of Mg, K, Cu, and Mn, were observed in efflorescent salts. X-ray diffraction indicated a high presence of quartz and gypsum and the absence of pyrite and Schwertmannite in the efflorescent salt, while showing broad peaks belonging to graphene sheets in the biochar sample. Soil remediation was evaluated in Petri dish seed germination bioassays using Brachiaria decumbens. Biochar was shown to be effective in the improvement of pH, and positively influenced the germination percentage and root length of Brachiaria grass seeds.

Turning an environmental problem into an opportunity: potential use of biochar derived from a harmful marine biomass named Cladophora glomerata as anode electrode for Li-ion batteries.

The electrochemical performance of lithium ion battery was enhanced by using biochar derived from Cladophora glomerata (C. glomerata) as widespread green macroalgae in most areas of the Iran's Caspian sea coast. By the utilization of the structure of the biochar, micro-/macro-ordered porous carbon with olive-shaped structure was successfully achieved through pyrolysis at 500°C, which is the optimal temperature for biofuel production, and was activated with HCl. The biochar and HCl treatment biochar (HTB) were applied as anode electrode in lithium ion batteries. Then, electrochemical measurements were conducted on the electrodes via galvanostatic charge-discharge, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses. The electrochemical results indicated a higher specific discharge capacity (700mAhg-1) and good cycling stability for HTB at the current density of 0.1Ag-1 as compared to the biochar. The reason that HTB electrode works better than the biochar could be due to the higher surface area, formation functional groups, removal impurities, and formation some micropores after HCl treatment. The biochar derived from marine biomass and treatment process developed here could provide a promising path for the low-cost, renewable, and environmentally friendly electrode materials. Graphical abstract Algal-biochar into Li-ion Battery.

Potential use of olive stone biochar as a hydroponic growing medium

In this study, biochar production from olive stone was carried out under different conditions and effects of temperature, nitrogen gas flow and heating rate on yield of biochar were investigated. The highest biochar yield was obtained under the carbonization temperature of 773K, heating rate of 5K/min and nitrogen gas flow of 500ml/min. Characterization of biochar was performed with FTIR, TGA, SEM and BET analysis. In order to investigate the potential use of biochar in hydroponic system as solid media, it was evaluated for cultivating tomato seedling, and a comparison between using biochar and other materials such as perlite and coco peat for hydroponic growth was presented.Experimental study showed that the tallest tomato seedling was achieved with the media includes olive stone biochar. In conclusion, olive stone biochar can be used as effective solid media material for soilless agriculture methods like hydroponic system.

Biochar-based Bradyrhizobium inoculum improves growth of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) under drought stress

Drought stress has a major abiotic impact on the symbiotic performance of legumes, inhibiting plant growth and nodulation. We evaluated the potential use of biochar as a carrier for Bradyrhizobium sp. inoculants as provided for lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.), and to determine the response of lupin to the biochar-based inocula of Bradyrhizobium sp. (BR) in pot experiments, under irrigated and drought conditions. The survival of BR populations was higher in HTC-char carrier material than it was in pyrolysis biochar from maize (MBC) and pyrolysis biochar from wood (WBC). An HTC-based Bradyrhizobium sp. inoculant (HTC-BR) significantly enhanced plant growth, N and P uptake, and lupin nodulation under drought conditions in comparison with BR strain inoculation. BR was more likely to survive under drought stress conditions when introduced as HTC-based inocula in comparison with direct inoculation. Overall, this experiment indicates that a HTC-based formulation of Bradyrhizobium sp. is an effective inoculum carrier providing a promising and practical approach for improving growth and symbiotic performance of lupin under stress conditions.

Activated biochars reduce the exposure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in industrially contaminated soils

Immobilisation of organic contaminants using biochar is becoming increasingly common. However, biochar is less effective than activated carbon in immobilising contaminants. To increase the efficiency of contaminant binding by biochar, an alternative method of biochar activation that leads to an increase in surface area is proposed. Herein, we improve the biochar by subjection to a range of activation techniques using microwaves, carbon dioxide or superheated steam. To test their effectiveness, the untreated and activated biochars were added at 5% w/w into three different industrially contaminated soils sampled from areas around a coal plant (KOK and KB) and a bitumen processing plant (POPI).The surface area (SSA) of biochar subjected to the activation techniques increased significantly. The SSA of the original biochar was 11m2/g, while those of the activated biochars was 443m2/g (microwave), 512m2/g (CO2) and 841m2/g (superheated steam). The addition of activated biochar reduced the freely dissolved PAHs (Cfree) in the KOK and POPI soils by up to 86% (from 153 to 22ng/L and from 172 to 24ng/L, respectively) and in the KB soil by up to 70% (from 52 to 16ng/L) compared to the untreated soils. Even more pronounced reductions were observed in the concentration of bioaccessible PAHs (Cbioacc). The activated biochars reduced Cbioacc in all soils by almost 100% (from 1.39 to 0.03 for KOK, from 1.92 to 0.01 for POPI and from 1.16 to 0.04mg/kg for KB) compared with the untreated soil. This research shows that biochar activation by different methods leads to significant enhancements in contaminant binding and thus is a promising method for increasing the potential use of biochar in soil remediation.

Current economic obstacles to biochar use in agriculture and climate change mitigation

ABSTRACTBiochar may become a key instrument at the nexus of managed carbon flows, including value added potential in soil amelioration, climate protection, energy supply and organic waste management. This article reflects the potential use of biochar in agriculture from the perspective of the farming economy. Biochar soil amendment in crop production is regarded as a win–win situation, both for assumed increases in cropping yields and carbon sequestration in soil organic matter. However, an extensive review on biochar effect on crop yield has not yet been able to provide compelling arguments to foster more widespread biochar use in cropping systems. Furthermore, the half-lives of biochars are frequently shorter than commonly suggested, and other financial incentives, such as including biochar in carbon credit systems, are not in place to compensate for the extra cost of applying biochar. As a result, we conclude with a somewhat skeptical view for a widespread use of biochar in agriculture in the near future.

Potential Use of Biochar in Growing Media

One of the greatest challenges in the growing media (GM) industry is sourcing superior quality, inexpensive, readily available, and environmentally friendly constituents. Biochar has been widely considered for its potential use in agriculture, in the energy sector, and for environmental purposes, but little attention has been paid to the use of biochar in GM. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of biochar as an alternative for aggregates (e.g., perlite) and peat moss in the GM industry. A laboratory experiment was conducted comparing five organic substrates composed of different combinations of peat moss, perlite, and three types of biochar. The main physical and chemical properties of the biochars and organic substrates were measured. A leaching experiment was also performed to evaluate the nutrient‐holding capacity of the investigated substrates. Biochar showed a good potential for replacement of perlite and, to a lesser extent, peat moss in GM. Biochar increases cation‐exchange capacity (CEC) and pH, and it decreases nutrient leaching (11% reduction) in GM. Biochar affected the physical properties of GM, and this was mainly related to its particle‐size distribution (PSD). In spite of all of its benefits, biochar is still not a standardized product, and its properties may differ from one source to another. However, the GM industry requires high quality, homogeneous, and consistent components. To define suitable properties for biochar products in the GM industry, a standardization program should be put in place. Economically, biochar presents a greater potential in the replacement of aggregates than peat moss. Special attention should be paid to the presence of fine dust particles in some biochar.

Olive mill waste biochar: a promising soil amendment for metal immobilization in contaminated soils.

The potential use of biochar from olive mill waste for in situ remediation of metal contaminated soils was evaluated. Biochar was mixed with metal contaminated soil originating from the vicinity of an old zinc smelter. Soil-biochar mixtures were equilibrated for 30 and 90 days. At these time points, Ca(NO3)2 exchangeable metals were determined, and effects of the biochar amendment on soil toxicity were investigated using plants, bacteria, and earthworms. Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) growth, metal content, antioxidative enzymes activities, and soluble protein contents were determined. Furthermore, effects on soil microbial communities (activity, diversity, richness) were examined using Biolog ECOplates. After 120 days of soil-biochar equilibration, effects on weight and reproduction of Eisenia foetida were evaluated. With increasing biochar application rate and equilibration period, Ca(NO3)2 exchangeable metals decreased, and growth of bean plants improved; leaf metal contents reduced, the activities of antioxidative stress enzymes decreased, and soluble protein contents increased. Soil microbial activity, richness, and diversity were augmented. Earthworm mortality lowered, and their growth and reproduction showed increasing trends.

Evaluation of Biochar as a Potential Filter Media for the Removal of Mixed Contaminants from Urban Storm Water Runoff

AbstractUrban storm water runoff can carry a wide range of contaminants, many of which exceed federal maximum contaminant levels, into surface water resources (e.g., rivers and lakes). The use of filtration systems has received greater attention for its potential to remove particulate matter and other contaminants. Biochar is expected to have excellent potential as an adsorbent or filter given its large surface area and microporous structure. This study evaluated the potential use of biochar as a filter media through a series of column experiments. A column with an inner diameter of 7 cm (2.75 in.) and a length of 61 cm (24 in.) using biochar as filter media was constructed to examine its effectiveness for the removal of mixed contaminants [total suspended solids (TSS), nutrients, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and E. coli] from synthetic storm water. The results demonstrated that this filter reduced the TSS in the storm water effluent by an average of 86% and the concentrations of...

Biochar use in forestry and tree-based agro-ecosystems for increasing climate change mitigation and adaptation

This study reviews the potential use of biochar as soil amendment in afforestation, reforestation, agroforestry, fruit tree orchards, and bio-energy plantations. Implementing this practice could sequester large amounts of carbon (C) over the long-term, potentially offsetting anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, and mitigating climate change. On a global scale, this practice could sequester between 2 and 109.2 Pg biochar-C in 1.75 billion ha of degraded and deforested lands and agroforestry systems. An additional considerable amount could be sequestered in the soil of fruit tree orchards and bio-energy plantations. The anticipated improvement in the quality of the biochar-amended soils is expected to enhance resilience to these land uses, increasing their adaptation capacity to climate change. Yet, specific questions still need to be addressed, for example, the impact of biochar on the availability of nitrogen and potassium for plants in acidic soils and under humid conditions, as well as the impact of biochar on soil and trees in alkaline soils and under Mediterranean or drier conditions. Also, a full assessment of health hazards and environmental risks related to the production of biochar and its application in soil is required. Other questions relate to the environmental and economic costs of biochar application. Therefore, life cycle assessments and economic calculations should be conducted on a site-specific basis and include the practices of feedstock collection, transportation, processing, and spreading. International actions should regulate biochar practice as an eligible means for funding under the C finance mechanism. Specifically, payments should be provided to landowners for accomplishing ecosystem services.

The potential use of biochar in reclaiming degraded rangelands

Many of the world's rangelands are degraded due to either natural or anthropogenic causes. One of the main indicators of the degradation process is the depletion of the organic carbon stocks in the soil. The organic carbon plays a crucial role in supporting the soil microbial community, maintaining the soil structure formation and stability, and retaining water and nutrients in the uppermost soil layers. Biochar, the by-product of the pyrolysis technology for bio-energy production, has been proven to have the capability to efficiently maintain soil quality and increase vegetative production. At the same time, the inert nature of the biochar enables the long-term sequestration of carbon in soil. To date, the application of biochar has been examined almost exclusively in arable lands, but not yet in rangelands. The objective of this paper is to raise awareness of this topic in order to encourage research and development in this field. Progress in knowledge and understanding on this matter could contribute to the reclamation of degraded rangelands. At the same time, it would potentially increase their capacity for long-term sequestration of carbon to a rate of between 0.69 and 10.7 Pg. Large-scale implementation of this practice in the future should be funded through central authorities, based on payments for improvement in ecosystem services.