Search

Agriculture plays a fundamental role in India's economy, supporting 70% of rural households. While often perceived as non-productive, agricultural waste harbors materials potentially beneficial to humans through the creation and utilization of biochar in the production and processing of agricultural goods. This study conducts a comprehensive exploration into the advantages and risks associated with biochar application, considering its role as a soil amendment, bioremediation agent, and its broader implications for human health and the environment. Biochar, primarily composed of stable carbon, was initially proposed as a soil amendment to sequester carbon. Efficient resource utilization has emerged as a viable means to address global environmental challenges associated with waste disposal. This review delineates diverse agricultural waste types and sources, identifies related environmental risks, and advocates for government-led measures aligned with circular economy principles to manage such waste. Furthermore, it offers insights into potential management strategies, policy considerations, and practical approaches, fostering sustainable agriculture practices and environmental conservation in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of biochar through pyrolysis of biomass is expected to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and mitigate global warming. However, current predictive models for biochar yield and composition are computationally intensive, complex, and lack accuracy for extrapolative scenarios. This study utilized machine learning to develop predictive models for biochar yield and carbon content based on pyrolysis data from lignocellulosic biomass. Assessing the importance of input features revealed their significant role in predicting biochar properties. The findings indicate that eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithms can accurately forecast biochar yield and carbon content based on biomass characteristics and pyrolysis conditions. This research contributes new insights into understanding biomass pyrolysis and enhancing biochar production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broiler farming is a significant source of gaseous emissions. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of different litter additives on the emission of NH3, N2O, CO2, and CH4 during broiler housing and subsequent manure storage. The gaseous emissions from the housing facilities were evaluated during one fattening cycle in environmentally controlled rooms with three different additives applied to the litter material (10% w/w aluminum sulphate or biochar and 2.50 mg m−2 urease inhibitor), as well as a control. A storage experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions for 90 days to evaluate the influence of these three additives on gaseous losses. During broiler housing, the results indicated that NH3 emissions were reduced significantly (40–60%) by litter additives, while global warming potential (GWP) emissions were reduced significantly (31%) by Alum. The addition of Biochar (a 58% reduction) had the same significant effect as Alum (a 60% reduction) to mitigate these losses. The re-application of Urease (a 41% reduction) may be required to reach an equal or higher reduction. During storage, NH3 and GWP emissions were not significantly affected by the litter additives. During broiler housing and subsequent manure storage, NH3 emissions were reduced significantly (22–41%) by litter additives, whereas GWP emissions did not decrease significantly. Globally, it can be concluded that Biochar appears to be a good alternative to Alum due to its equal effectiveness in mitigating NH3 losses, without increasing the GWP potential in the housing and avoiding pollution swapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) is an annual fiber crop grown in warm seasons and known for its remarkable productivity; it has been cultivated worldwide for thousands of years as a fiber source. While every part of the plant can be utilized for some purpose, its primary significance lies in the diverse applications of its cellulosic fiber. Kenaf features a blend of long bast and short core fibers, rendering it suitable for various industrial uses. Initially utilized for cordage and livestock feed, kenaf's applications have expanded over the last century to encompass its utilization as paper pulp, biocomposites, textiles, biomass energy, seed oil, filtration aids, industrial absorbents, and even as a component of potting medium or as a potential source of medicine. Although traditionally a niche crop, the discovery of its diverse applications positions kenaf for rapid expansion in production in the upcoming decades. This article aims to explore the manifold applications of kenaf, highlighting those with the greatest future potential and discussing those that hold promise for commercial-level application with additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of biochar to improve the quality of saline soils has attracted widespread attention. However, the impact of saline soil amendments with biochar prepared at different pyrolysis temperatures remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a two-year (2022–2023) field experiment in the Hetao Irrigation District, China, to evaluate the effects of the biochar pyrolysis temperature (C1: 300 °C, C2: 500 °C, and C3: 700 °C) and application rate (T1: 10 t/ha and T2: 20 t/ha) on the soil quality and maize yield. The results indicated that (1) all biochar treatments significantly decreased the soil bulk density and increased the soil porosity; (2) treatment C3T1 significantly increased the soil moisture content and decreased soil salinity. The C3T2 treatment significantly increased the soil's organic carbon content, and the soil's available phosphorus content was greatest in the C1T2 treatment. (3) The maize yield increased linearly with the soil quality index (SQI), which was attributed mainly to improvements in the soil water–salt conditions and increases in the soil organic carbon content. In summary, biochar produced at high pyrolysis temperatures, when applied at a low application rate (C3T1), can result in high corn yields and improve saline soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses the importance of treating agro-food and urban wastes in order to combat environmental degradation and promote economic growth, environmental sustainability, and public health. It introduces the concept of a circular economy, which focuses on sharing, reusing, repairing, and recycling in a closed loop. The document highlights the need for proper waste management, as evidenced by statistics on waste recycling rates in the European Union and OECD countries. The document also presents the main results of a special issue on sustainable agriculture and waste treatment, including the valorization of agro-food waste and the human perception of the circular economy paradigm. The results demonstrate various methods of extracting value from waste and minimizing environmental impact, such as using fish effluents as fertilizer, recycling agricultural waste, producing biomethane from agricultural waste, and producing enzymes from agro-industrial waste. The document also discusses the perspectives of stakeholders on organic food waste, emphasizing the need for behavioral changes, policies, and cooperation among all stakeholders. Overall, embracing circular economy-based approaches can lead to greater environmental and economic sustainability. [Extracted from the article]

The paddy field is a major source of gaseous carbon and nitrogen emissions, and reducing these emissions is of great significance for mitigating greenhouse effects and non-point source pollution in farmland. Biochar, derived from agricultural waste, possesses a stable structure, large specific surface area, abundant pore structures, and surface functional groups. These characteristics could enhance soil physicochemical properties and microbial activity, thereby facilitating the dual goals of increasing crop yield and reducing emissions. Based on numerous studies, this review summarizes the effects of biochar on the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ammonia volatilization (NH3), as well as on global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI). It elucidates the mechanism of emission reduction by biochar amendment from the perspective of carbon and nitrogen conversion processes and soil physicochemical and biological properties. Numerous studies showed the application of 5~40 t ha−1 biochar reduced CO2, CH4, N2O, and NH3 emissions by 1.64~89.6%, 8.6~89.6%, 10~90%, and 12.27~53%, respectively. A small number of studies found that the application of 5~48 t ha−1 biochar increased CO2, CH4, N2O, and NH3 emissions by 12~37%, 19.85~176%, 13~84.23%, and 5.47~70.9%, respectively. Most scholars have found that biochar has varying degrees of emission reduction capabilities in different parts of the world. Therefore, future research directions have been suggested for utilizing biochar to reduce carbon and nitrogen emissions in paddy fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers necessarily requires using renewable biomaterial-derived soil organic amendments (SOAs) in agriculture for sustained retention of nutrients through improvement in the soil organic matter (SOM). SOM replenishment through SOAs derived from wasted materials could help in its valorization by furthering the sustainability prospects of agronomic crop production systems. In the current study, compost (CP) and biochar (BC) were derived as SOAs from combustible and compostable fractions of municipal solid waste (MSW) for their potential valorization by adding SOAs as potential sustainable sources of nutrients as a replacement of chemical fertilizers (CF) for sunflower crops cultivated in potted soils. The experimental design included quadruplicated soil application of MSW-derived BC and CP in discrete and combined forms, each in three doses (% w:w), viz., low (L), medium (M), and high (H), i.e., BC-L, BC-M, BC-H; CP-L, CP-M, CP-H; and BC + CP-L, BC + CP-M, BC-CP-H. The results showed that, compared to the control (soil only), the sunflower growth and harvestable yield were significantly greater in BC + CF with a medium dose and were comparable to the growth and yield obtained in soils with CF. Sunflower growth in the discrete SOAs remained less than in the combined SOAs (BC + CP) and was attributed to the comprehensive soil health improvement rendered by the applied SOAs. The soil health improvement factors included SOM, CEC, and concentrations of total and available NPK. The dose-effect comparison of the SOAs showed highly variable trends, i.e., the sunflower growth did not correspond with the increase in dose of the SOAs. It is concluded that the combined application of BC + CP derived from MSW components at a medium dose could act as a potential alternative to CF. The developed approach resulted in MSW valorization, which improved soil health and yielded a better sunflower crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent emerging pollutants in soil environments, acting as carriers for other contaminants and facilitating combined pollution along with toxic metals like cadmium (Cd). This interaction increases toxic effects and poses substantial threats to ecosystems and human health. The objective of this study was to investigate the hydrodynamic adsorption of Cd by conducting experiments where polystyrene microplastics (PS) and biochar (BC) coexisted across various particle sizes (10 µm, 20 µm, and 30 µm). Then, soil incubation experiments were set up under conditions of combined pollution, involving various concentrations (0.5 g·kg−1, 5 g·kg−1, 50 g·kg−1) and particle sizes of PS and BC to assess their synergistic effects on the soil environment. The results suggest that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.8642) provides a better description of the adsorption dynamics of Cd by PS and BC compared to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.7711), with an adsorption saturation time of 400 min. The Cd adsorption process in the presence of PS and BC is more accurately modeled using the Freundlich isotherm (R2 > 0.98), indicating the predominance of multilayer physical adsorption. The coexistence of 10 µm and 20 µm PS particles with BC enhanced Cd absorption, while 30 µm PS particles had an inhibitory effect. In soil incubation experiments, variations in PS particle size increased the exchangeable Cd speciation by 99.52% and decreased the residual speciation by 18.59%. The addition of microplastics notably impacted the exchangeable Cd speciation (p < 0.05), with smaller PS particles leading to more significant increases in the exchangeable content—showing respective increments of 45.90%, 106.96%, and 145.69%. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the mitigation mechanisms of biochar in the face of combined pollution from microplastics and heavy metals, offering theoretical support and valuable insights for managing such contamination scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management in the agri-food industry is an important technological and environmental problem. Slaughterhouse waste is particularly problematic, as it contains significant amounts of proteins and lipids, neither of which constitute a good substrate for methane production. The physical properties of mixtures of fat and polar solvents inhibit the methanogenesis process. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of the addition of fat emulsifiers and biochar on the amount of biogas produced and the level of carbon conversion per unit of waste weight. The assumed goal was achieved based on a laboratory experiment using static methane fermentation, carried out in accordance with the methodology of the DIN 38414/S8 standard. The results of the experiment indicate that the addition of fat emulsifiers increased the biogas yield from slaughterhouse waste from approximately 370 to 430 dm3 per 2 kg dry weight of waste. Each technological variant resulted in an increase in the amount of carbon that was transformed in the methanogenesis process. Although the level of carbon transformation in the methanogenesis process increased by approximately 20% in objects with emulsifier addition, the use of biochar and fat emulsifiers did not change the amount of methane production. Within the assumed system limits, therefore, the use of fat emulsifiers and biochar seems to be pointless. However, the use of the developed technology can improve the efficiency of biogas production by up to 18% and shorten the process by 5 days. Assuming the continuous operation of the biogas plant, the use of the developed technology will increase the efficiency of biogas production from slaughterhouse waste in the long term by over 30% without the need to modify the infrastructure in the biogas plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of biochar application on plant performance under drought stress necessitates a comprehensive understanding of biochar–soil interaction, root growth, and plant physiological processes. Therefore, pot experiments were conducted to assess the effects of biochar on plant responses to drought stress at the seedling stage. Two contrasting maize genotypes (drought-sensitive KN5585 vs. -tolerant Mo17) were subjected to biochar application under drought stress conditions. The results indicated that biochar application decreased soil exchangeable Na+ and Ca2+ contents while increased soil exchangeable K+ content (2.7-fold) and electrical conductivity (4.0-fold), resulting in an elevated leaf sap K+ concentration in both maize genotypes. The elevated K+ concentration with biochar application increased root apoplastic pH in the drought-sensitive KN5585, but not in the drought-tolerant Mo17, which stimulated the activation of H+-ATPase and H+ efflux in KN5585 roots. Apoplast alkalinization of the drought-sensitive KN5585 resulting from biochar application further inhibited root growth by 30.7%, contributing to an improvement in water potential, a reduction in levels of O2–, H2O2, T-AOC, SOD, and POD, as well as the down-regulation of genes associated with drought resistance in KN5585 roots. In contrast, biochar application increased leaf sap osmolality and provided osmotic protection for the drought-tolerant Mo17, which was associated with trehalose accumulation in Mo17 roots. Biochar application improved sucrose utilization and circadian rhythm of Mo17 roots, and increased fresh weight under drought stress. This study suggests that biochar application has the potential to enhance plant drought tolerance, which is achieved through the inhibition of root growth in sensitive plants and the enhancement of osmotic protection in tolerant plants, respectively. Biochar application decreased soil exchangeable Na+ and Ca2+, but increased soil exchangeable K+ and electrical conductivity. Biochar increased apoplastic pH, but reduced root growth, stress damage and stress response during drought for the drought-sensitive KN5585. Biochar improved osmotic protection, trehalose accumulation, and fresh weight during drought for the drought-tolerant Mo17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae technology is a viable solution for environmental conservation (carbon capture and wastewater treatment) and energy production. However, the nutrient cost, slow-kinetics, and low biosorption capacity of microalgae hindered its application. To overcome them, algal-biochar (BC) can be integrated with microalgae to treat textile wastewater (TWW) due to its low cost, its ability to rapidly adsorb pollutants, and its ability to serve as a nutrient source for microalgal-growth to capture CO2 and biodiesel production. Chlorella vulgaris (CV) and algal-BC were combined in this work to assess microalgal growth, carbon capture, TWW bioremediation, and biodiesel production. Results showed the highest optical density (3.70 ± 0.07 OD680), biomass productivity (42.31 ± 0.50 mg L−1 d−1), and dry weight biomass production (255.11 ± 6.01 mg L−1) in an integrated system of CV-BC-TWW by capturing atmospheric CO2 (77.57 ± 2.52 mg L−1 d−1). More than 99% bioremediation (removal of MB-pollutant, COD, nitrates, and phosphates) of TWW was achieved in CV-BC-TWW system due to biosorption and biodegradation processes. The addition of algal-BC and CV microalgae to TWW not only enhanced the algal growth but also increased the bioremediation of TWW and biodiesel content. The highest fatty acid methylesters (biodiesel) were also produced, up to 76.79 ± 2.01 mg g−1 from CV-BC-TWW cultivated-biomass. Biodiesel's oxidative stability and low-temperature characteristics are enhanced by the presence of palmitoleic (C16:1) and linolenic (C18:3) acids. Hence, this study revealed that the integration of algal-biochar, as a biosorbent and source of nutrients, with living-microalgae offers an efficient, economical, and sustainable approach for microalgae growth, CO2 fixation, TWW treatment, and biodiesel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

for the manuscript for the manuscript JCIS-24–2223 "Biochar from olive tree twigs and spent malt rootlets as electrodes in Zn-air batteries", by Kottis et al. [Display omitted] Biochars, i.e. porous carbons obtained by pyrolysis of biomass, can act as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction reaction. In the present work, two biochars have been prepared by using materials of completely different biomass origin: olive-tree twigs and spent malt rootlets (brewery wastes). Both biomass species were subjected to pyrolysis under limited oxygen supply and then they were activated by mixing with KOH and pyrolysis again. The obtained biochars were characterized by several techniques in order to determine their structural characteristics and the composition of their active components. Despite their different origin, the two biochars demonstrated similar structural and compositional characteristics thus highlighting the importance of the pyrolysis and activation procedure. Both biochars were used as electrocatalysts in the operation of rechargeable Zn-air batteries, where they also demonstrated similar electrocatalytic capacities with only a small advantage gained by olive-tree-twigs biochar. Compared to bare nanoparticulate carbon (carbon black), both biochars demonstrated a marked advantage towards oxygen evolution reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochars produced from different feedstocks and at different pyrolysis temperatures may have various chemical and physical properties, affecting their potential use as alternative microbial carrier materials. In this study, biochars were produced from pine wood and oak feedstocks at various temperatures (400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C and 800°C), characterized, and assessed for their potential as carriers for Bradyrhizobium japonicum (CB1809) strain. The biochars were then stored at two different storage temperatures (28°C and 38°C) for up to 90 days. Furthermore, the study also explored the role of potentially ideal carriers as inoculants in the growth of Glycine max L. (soybean) under different moisture levels i.e., 55% water holding capacity (WHC) (D0), 30% WHC (D1) and, 15% WHC (D2) using a mixture of 50% garden soil and 50% sand. The results were compared to a control group (without inoculants) and a peat inoculant. Among all the materials derived from pine wood and oak, pine wood biochar pyrolyzed at 400℃ (P-BC400) exhibited the highest CFU count, with values of 10.34 and 9.74 Log 10 CFU g− 1 after 90 days of storage at 28℃ and 38℃, respectively. This was notably higher compared to other biochars and peat carriers. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in plant properties: shoot and root dry biomass (174% and 367%), shoot and root length (89% and 85%), number of leaves (71%), membrane stability index (27%), relative water content (26%), and total chlorophyll (140%) were observed in plants treated with P-BC400 carrier inoculant compared to the control at D2; however, lower enrichment of δ13C (37%) and δ15N (108%) with highest number of root nodules (8.3 ± 1.26) and nitrogenase activity (0.869 ± 0.04) were observed under D2, as evident through PCA analysis, showing more nitrogen (N) fixation and photosynthetic activity. Overall, this experiment concluded that biochar pyrolyzed at lower temperatures, especially P-BC400, was the most suitable candidate for rhizobial inoculum and promoted soybean growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Soil Sciences & Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Industrial Water Treatment is the property of CNOOC Tianjin Chemical Research & Design Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Co-application of sewage sludge (SS) with biochar in landscape/forestry soil is a common strategy for enhancing soil fertility and reducing the bioavailability of potential toxic elements (PTEs) derived from SS, such as Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni. However, due to variability of biochar quality and uncertainties in responses of different plant species, whether the co-application benefits the landscape/forestry plant system remains elusive. Here, we tested the effectiveness of three types of biochar (SS-derived biochar (SB), rice straw-derived biochar (RB), and litter-derived biochar (LB)), which were added to soil amended with SS at 50% (w/w) at rates of 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5% as growth media for the landscape plant Aglaonema modestum (A. modestum). We analyzed the substrate's physicochemical properties and assessed the alleviation of phytotoxicity by biochar application. A significant increase in the fertility index of substrate was observed in all the treatments with biochar addition. The addition of biochar reduced the potential mobility of PTEs while increasing their residual fraction in media. Nonetheless, it has been found that the addition of biochar has ineffective or even negative effects on A. modestum growth (height, biomass, root length) and nutrient absorption. Importantly, the reduction in root biomass and the increased activity of root antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, and MDA) indicate contamination stress of biochar on the roots of A. modestum. Toxic elements of concern—namely Cu, Cd, and Pb—were not significantly higher in tissues of A. modestum saplings planted in biochar-SS-amended soil. However, elevated levels of other elements that may pose toxicity concerns, such as Ni and Zn, increased in tissues at high biochar dosages. Based on the Entropy–Weight TOPSIS method, it was further confirmed that compared to the treatment without biochar, all treatments except for 3.0% LB application resulted in poorer A. modestum comprehensive growth. Our results emphasize the need for detailed research on the response of specific plants to biochar in specific environments, including plant adaptability and the unexplored toxicity of biochar, to understand the large variations and mechanisms behind these ineffective or negative effects before the large-scale co-utilization of SS and biochar in landscape/forestry soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is regarded as a soil improvement material possessing superior physical and chemical properties that can effectively enhance plant growth. However, there exists a paucity of research examining the efficacy of biochar in supplanting traditional materials and its subsequent impact on the growth of Ardisia crenata, which is currently domesticated as fruit ornamentals. In this study, the mechanism of biochar's effect on Ardisia crenata was analyzed by controlled experiments. For 180 days, their growth and development were meticulously assessed under different treatments through the measurement of various indices. Compared with the references, the addition of biochar led to an average increase in soil nutrient content, including a 14.1% rise in total nitrogen, a 564.1% increase in total phosphorus, and a 63.2% boost in total potassium. Furthermore, it improved the physical and chemical properties of the soil by reducing soil bulk density by 6.2%, increasing total porosity by 6.33%, and enhancing pore water by 7.35%, while decreasing aeration porosity by 1.11%. The growth and development of Ardisia crenata were better when the appending ratio of biochar was in the range of 30% to 50%, with the root parameters, such as root length, root surface area, and root volume, 48.90%, 62.00%, and 24.04% higher to reference. At the same time, the biomass accumulation of roots in the best group with adding biochar also increased significantly (55.80%). The addition of biochar resulted in a significant improvement in the content of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b (1.947 mg g−1) and the net photosynthetic rate (5.6003 µmol m−2 s−1). This study's findings underpinned the addition of biochar in soil improvement and plant response. Therefore, biochar can favor the cultivation and industrial application of Ardisia crenata in the future, leading to an efficient and environmentally friendly industrial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing contamination of soil with heavy metals poses a problem to environmental sustainability. Among these pollutants, lead is particularly concerning due to its persistence in the environment, with harmful effects on human health and ecosystems. Various strategies that combine phytoremediation techniques with soil amendments have emerged to mitigate lead contamination. In this context, biochar has gained significant attention for its potential to enhance soil quality and remediate metal-contaminated environments. This study aims to investigate the combined effect of biochar amendments on the phytoremediation of lead-contaminated shooting range soils. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the impact of the amount and distribution of biochar on lead removal from soil. Soil samples were incubated with biochar for one week, after which two types of seeds (Brassica rapa and Lolium perenne) were planted. Plant and root lengths, as well as the number of germinated seeds, were measured, and a statistical analysis was conducted to determine the influence of the amendments. After one month, the Pb concentration decreased by more than 70%. Our results demonstrate that seed germination and plant growth were significantly better in soil samples where biochar was mixed rather than applied superficially, with the optimal performance observed at a 10% wt. biochar amendment. Additionally, the combined use of biochar and phytoremediation proved highly effective in immobilizing lead and reducing its bioavailability. These findings suggest that the combination of biochar, particularly when mixed at appropriate concentrations, and Brassica rapa significantly improved lead removal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substitution of ethyl acetate for ammonia in NH3-SCR provides a novel strategy for the simultaneous removal of VOCs and NO. In this study, three distinct types of biochar were fabricated through pyrolysis at 700 °C. MnOx and TiO2 were sequentially loaded onto these biochar substrates via a hydrothermal process, yielding a family of biochar-based catalysts with optimized dosages. Upon exposure to xenon lamp irradiation at 240 °C, the biochar catalyst designated as 700-12-3GN, derived from Ginkgo shells, demonstrated the highest catalytic activity when contrasted with its counterparts prepared from moso bamboo and loofah. The conversion efficiencies for NO and ethyl acetate (EA) peaked at 73.66% and 62.09%, respectively, at a catalyst loading of 300 mg. The characterization results indicate that the 700-12-3GN catalyst exhibits superior activity, which can be attributed to the higher concentration of Mn4+ and Ti4+ species, along with its superior redox properties and suitable elemental distribution. Notably, the 700-12-3GN catalyst has the smallest specific surface area but the largest pore volume and average BJH pore size, indicating that the specific surface area is not the predominant factor affecting catalyst performance. Instead, pore volume and average BJH pore diameter appear to be the more influential parameters. This research provides a reference and prospect for the resource utilization of biochar and the development of photothermal co-catalytic ethyl acetate and NO at low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the environmental and health hazards posed by Pb(II) and iodine, two significant contaminants. The objective was to explore the adsorption of these substances from aqueous solutions using biochar derived from the leaf midribs of the date palm through a slow pyrolysis process. The pyrolysis was conducted in two stages within a vacuum furnace: initially at 300 °C for 1 h followed by overnight cooling, and then at 600 °C with a similar cooling process. The resulting biochar was characterized for its microstructural features and functional groups using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. It exhibited a porous structure with large numbers of pores (20 to 50 μm in size) and functional groups including O-H, C-H, and C=C, which are integral to its adsorption capabilities. For the adsorption studies, a 100 ppm Pb(II) ion solution was treated with varying amounts of biochar (20, 40, 60, and 80 mg) for 24 h. In parallel, iodine adsorption was tested, with biochar quantities ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 g/50 mL. Both treatments were followed by filtration and analysis using atomic absorption spectroscopy to determine the remaining concentrations of Pb(II) and iodine. The study also explored the effect of varying incubation periods (up to 30 h) on iodine adsorption. The results were significant; 100% adsorption of Pb(II) was achieved with the addition of 60 mg of biochar per 10 mL of solution. In contrast, for iodine, a maximum adsorption of 39.7% was observed with 30 mg or 40 mg of biochar per 50 mL. These findings demonstrate the potential of date palm-derived biochar as an effective and sustainable material for the removal of Pb(II) and iodine from contaminated water, offering valuable insights for environmental remediation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of artificial fertilizers follows the intensification of agricultural production as a consequence of population growth, which leads to soil depletion, loss of organic matter, and pollution of the environment and production. This can be overcome by increasing the use of organic fertilizers in agriculture. In the present study, we investigated the effect of using vermicompost, biochar, mineral fertilizer, a combination of vermicompost and mineral fertilizer, and an untreated control on alluvial-meadow soil on the development of fodder winter barley Hordeum vulgare L., Zemela cultivar. We used a randomized complete block design of four replications per treatment. Barley grain yield, number of plants, and soil and microbiological parameters were studied. We found statistically proven highest grain yield and grain protein values when applying vermicompost alone, followed by the combined treatment and mineral fertilizer. The total organic carbon was increased by 70.2% in the case of vermicompost and by 44% in the case of combined treatment, both compared to the control. Thus, soil microbiome activity and enzyme activities were higher in vermicompost treatment, where the activity of β-glucosidase was 29.4% higher in respect to the control, 37.5% to the mineral fertilizer, and 24.5% to the combined treatments. In conclusion, our study found the best overall performance of vermicompost compared to the rest of the soil amendments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immobilized microbial technology has recently emerged as a prominent research focus for the remediation of heavy metal pollution because of its superior treatment efficiency, ease of operation, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. This study investigated the adsorption characteristics and mechanisms of Cd2+ solutions by Lactobacillus plantarum adsorbed immobilized on distiller's grains biochar (XIM) and Lactobacillus plantarum–encapsulated immobilized on distiller's grains biochar (BIM). The findings reveal that the maximum adsorption capacity and efficiency were achieved at a pH solution of 6.0. Specifically, at an adsorption equilibrium concentration of cadmium at 60 mg/L, XIM and BIM had adsorption capacities of 8.40 ± 0.30 mg/g and 12.23 ± 0.05 mg/g, respectively. BIM demonstrated noticeably greater adsorption capacities than XIM at various cadmium solution concentrations. A combination of isothermal adsorption modeling, kinetic modeling, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses showed that cadmium adsorption by XIM primarily involved physical adsorption and pore retention. In contrast, the adsorption mechanism of BIM was mainly attributed to the formation of Cd(CN)2 crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a prevalent phthalate ester widely used as a plasticizer, leading to its widespread presence in various environmental matrices. This study presents an innovative microbial immobilization strategy utilizing biochar, calcium alginate (alginate-Ca, (C12H14CaO12)n), and waterborne polyurethane (WPU) composites to enhance the biodegradation efficiency of DBP. The results revealed that rice husk biochar, pyrolyzed at 300 °C, exhibits relatively safer and more stable physical and chemical properties, making it an effective immobilization matrix. Additionally, the optimal cultural conditions for Bacillus aquimaris in DBP biodegradation were identified as incubation at 30 °C and pH 7, with the supplementation of 0.15 g of yeast extract, 0.0625 g of glucose, and 1 CMC of Triton X-100. Algal biotoxicity results indicated a significant decrease in biotoxicity, as evidenced by an increase in chlorophyll a content in Chlorella vulgaris following DBP removal from the culture medium. Finally, microbial community analysis demonstrated that encapsulating B. aquimaris within alginate-Ca and WPU layers not only enhanced DBP degradation, but also prevented ecological competition from indigenous microorganisms. This novel approach showcases the potential of agricultural waste utilization and microbial immobilization techniques for the remediation of DBP-contaminated environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to analyse the impact of biochar in terms of reducing the bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) in soil, a study was conducted on the solidification effect of biochar on soil cadmium and its resistance to cadmium contamination in lettuce. In this study, soil which was contaminated with 10 mg/kg cadmium was used as the substrate; corn, rice, and wheat straw biochar were used as solidification and amendment materials; and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Grand Rapids) was used as the test plant. The morphological characteristics of the biochar, soil pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and soil-available Cd, as well as lettuce plant height, fresh weight, and leaf Cd content, were measured and analysed. The results showed that all three types of biochar possessed distinct porous structures and functional groups such as hydroxyl, ether, and carbonyl groups. Increases in soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), lettuce plant height, and fresh weight were effectively promoted. Additionally, a significant reduction in the available Cd content in the soil and Cd content in lettuce leaves was observed, with the inhibitory effect becoming more pronounced as the biochar application rate increased. When 5% corn straw biochar was added (1 kg of substrate with 50 g of biochar), the best inhibitory effect on Cd contamination was observed, with a cadmium content of 4.63 mg/kg in lettuce leaves. The available Cd in the soil and the Cd content in lettuce leaves decreased by 32.00% and 49.78%, respectively, compared to the CK group (without biochar treatment). Additionally, the plant height and fresh weight of lettuce increased by 25.56% and 31.31%, respectively, compared to the CK group. This indicated that the application of straw biochar can stabilise soil Cd, reduce the availability of Cd in the soil, inhibit the transfer of Cd into lettuce, promote the growth of lettuce, and lower the ecological environmental risk of Cd. These research results can provide a theoretical basis and scientific guidance for the remediation of soil Cd contamination and the safe production of lettuce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining inorganic and organic soil amendments with mineral fertilizers is promising for soil quality enhancement in modern agronomy systems. In this research, four main organic components were used in fertilizer formulations: coconut coir, biochar, lignite, and leonardite (enriched with microelements, tryptophan, and bacterial metabolic products). The treatments were assigned to the completely randomized design with a control object, without any soil amendments, and with only mineral fertilization. Aboveground biomass and root characteristics of maize (root length density, mean root diameter, root surface area density, specific root length, root volume density, and root dry matter) and water retention and characteristics of soil pores were determined. Compared to the control, all fertilizer formulations applied deteriorated the water retention properties of the soil. The highest plant available water content value was obtained for the control without any fertilizers. The addition of organic fertilizer formulations consisting of coconut coir, biochar, lignite, leonardite, microelements, tryptophan, and metabolic products of Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus subtilis did not play a significant role in improving soil physical characteristics. The lowest productivity was characterized for maize without any fertilizers and amendments. All soil organic amendments resulted in lower yields than the one with only mineral fertilization. The highest root dry matter was obtained when lignite and leonardite were used as main components. Organic amendments can be recommended for soil bioregeneration, but their main effect on maize productivity is attributed to the mineral component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution can be caused by the improper disposal of agricultural waste and the use of fluorinated chemicals. Icing is a natural phenomenon, but the accumulation of ice on the surface of electrical equipment can damage the equipment and reduce power generation efficiency. Preparation of biochar anti-icing coatings with a fluorine-free process promotes resource utilization and environmental protection. In this study, superhydrophobic coatings with photothermal effect prepared based on biochar as a filler, which was blended with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polyurea adhesive. The coating exhibits remarkable durability, as well as anti-icing, antifrosting, and self-cleaning characteristics. Utilizing fluorine-free chemicals enhances the environmentally friendly nature of the coating. The coating exhibits a contact angle of 155°, and the temperature can increase to 47.6 °C within a duration of 10 min. It can complete ice detachment in 128 s and defrosting in 210 s. The coating demonstrated exceptional durability when exposed to mechanical abrasion using sandpaper and steel brushes, water jet impact, acid and alkali corrosion, and tape-peeling tests. This study streamlines the procedure for creating photothermal superhydrophobic coatings, which contributes to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Additionally, it broadens the possibilities for recycling and reusing rejected crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolyzed organic matter, commonly referred to as biochar, generally has positive effects on plant growth and can enhance early seedling development. Biochar-based seed coatings may thus be beneficial, specifically under adverse soil conditions such as high soil salinity. Using a series of lab and greenhouse experiments, we evaluated germination and early plant development in radish (Raphinus sativa) seeds coated with conifer-feedstock slow-pyrolysis biochar. Following the precedent of prior studies, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) was used as the binding agent. Biochar-based seed coatings reduced germination rates and radicle extension in Petri dish trials; however, leaching of coated seeds largely eliminated this effect. PVAc applied in solution inhibited seed germination to a similar extent, suggesting that toxicity of PVAc or chemical products derived from it is the main mechanism for germination inhibition. A meta-analysis of published literature also indicates negative effects of biochar-based seed coatings using PVAc. In greenhouse trials, the same biochar seed coatings improved aspects of plant growth and physiological status relative to controls, specifically enhancing root development. We conclude that biochar-based seed coatings have promise in promoting early seedling growth and potentially in combating salinity stress in agronomic and restoration applications. However, our findings contraindicate PVAc use as a binding agent. Further research is needed to test non-phytotoxic, readily biodegradable binding agents and to optimize biochars and seed coating processes for specific applications in agronomy and ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saline-alkali land is an important component of terrestrial ecosystems and may serve as a carbon sink but its net contribution to the overall terrestrial carbon sink is unknown. Using methods recommended by the IPCC, this study evaluates the impacts of interconverting saline-alkali and non-saline-alkali land on terrestrial carbon stocks by measuring two major carbon pools (soil organic carbon and vegetation carbon) in the saline-alkali land of China's Songnen Plain. Distinct phases in the evolution of the region's terrestrial carbon stock were delineated, factors contributing to transitions between phases were identified, and the effects of changes in the saline-alkali land carbon stock on the overall terrestrial carbon sink were estimated. Between 2005 and 2020, the region's saline-alkali land carbon stock initially increased, then declined, and finally increased again. However, the overall terrestrial carbon stock decreased by 0.5 Tg (1 Tg = 1012 g), indicating that the increase in the saline-alkali land carbon stock was due primarily to expansion of the saline-alkali land area. The conversion of non-saline-alkali land to saline-alkali land was a carbon-emitting process; consequently, in areas undergoing saline-alkali land change, the lower carbon density bound was equal to the carbon density of unconverted saline-alkali land and the upper bound was equal to the carbon density of unconverted non-saline-alkali land. In general, changes in the carbon stock of saline-alkali land correlated negatively with changes in the overall terrestrial carbon stock. The conversion of saline-alkali land into grassland and cropland through biochar improvement and the planting of saline-tolerant crops (Leymus chinensis, salt-tolerant rice) has a positive effect on promoting the enhancement of terrestrial carbon stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Rural Water & Hydropower is the property of China Rural Water & Hydropower Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Both biochars (BCs) and modified-biochars (MBCs) for toxic-metal/metalloid ions (TMIs) removal from water have caught much attention owing to their exceptional properties such as eco-friendly, low-carbon emission and cost-effective. However, reviews on the exploration of theoretical models of BCs and MBCs in various systems are unobtainable. To give a summary of theoretical models on BCs and MBCs for TMIs removal in various solution systems, this review will center on some typical kinetic and isotherm equations of BCs and MBCs for TMIs sorption in a single, mixed, mixed metal ions/organic substance solutions. Typically, two-parameter and threeparameter kinetic and isotherm equations of BCs and MBCs for TMIs sorption were stressed. The comparisons of these models in various solution systems were drawn. It was found that P-2nd-O kinetic model, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models are the dominating adsorption manners for TMIs in various MSSs. Especially, only the kinetic models of Cu(II), Pb(II), Cr(VI) and Cd(II) sorption, as well as the isotherms of Cu(II) and Cd(II) sorption on BCs and MBCs were reported in these MSSs. We hope such a summary will be favorable for the accurately selecting of optimal models to explain the sorption processes in different metal-solution systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-doped sludge biochar prepared by pyrolysis of municipal sludge impregnated with NH4Cl solution and was used to investigate the effects of different factors on Cr(VI) adsorption-reduction. Furthermore, spectroscopic techniques were employed to investigate the structural feature of N-doped sludge biochar and the mechanism of Cr(VI) adsorption-reduction in depth. The results showed that compared with pristine sludge biochar (SBC), the Cr(VI) of removal efficiency and reduction efficiency on NSBC increased by 2.35 and 3.32 times, respectively. The removal of Cr(VI) by biochar was in accordance with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model, and increasing the reaction temperature promoted the Cr(VI) removal by SBC and NSBC. The maximum adsorption amount of Cr(VI) by SBC and NSBC was 8.76 mg/g and 25.93 mg/g, respectively. The Cr(VI) reduction by NSBC was closely related to pH, and the reduction capacity of Cr(VI) under acidic condition was much higher than that under alkaline condition. Moreover, co-existing cations (Ca2+, Na+ and Mg2+) and coexisting anions (Cl-, NO3 and SO2- ) had no significant effect on Cr(VI) adsorption-reduction by NSBC, while humic acid inhibited the Cr(VI) removal by NSBC. The Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solution by NSBC involved Cr(VI) adsorption-reduction and Cr(III) release-adsorption. During the adsorption-reduction process, the persistent free radicals and N-containing groups on NSBC acted as reduction sites for Cr(VI). This work provided indepth mechanistic insight for N-doped biochar treating Cr(VI)-containing wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]4 ) had no significant effect on Cr(VI) adsorption-reduction by NSBC, while humic acid inhibited the Cr(VI) removal by NSBC. The Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solution by NSBC involved Cr(VI) adsorption-reduction and Cr(III) release-adsorption. During the adsorption-reduction process, the persistent free radicals and N-containing groups on NSBC acted as reduction sites for Cr(VI). This work provided indepth mechanistic insight for N-doped biochar treating Cr(VI)-containing wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioremediation has drawn widespread concern in passivating heavy metals, but the intense toxicity of heavy metals to biological cells limits the application of functional strains. Herein, goethite-modified biochar (GMB) was chosen as the carrier to immobilize phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) of strain L1 for lead and cadmium remediation. Batch experiments showed that the GMB-L1 possessed excellent adsorption performance with a maximum adsorption of 496.54 and 178.18 mg/g for Pb and Cd, respectively. Moreover, adding GMB-L1 in contaminated soil converted heavy metals (Pb and Cd) into more stable fractions and reduced TCLP-extracted heavy metal concentrations (73.24% of Pb and 57.25% of Cd). The GMB-L1 was proved to accomplish Pb and Cd remediation via the process of chemical precipitation, surface complexation, electrostatic attraction, and biomineralization, which was accompanied by the transformation of heavy metals into a more stable crystal structure, such as Pb5(PO4)3OH and Cd5(PO4)3OH. Therefore, the co-system of GMB and strain L1 could be regarded as a prospective option for efficiently remedying environmental heavy metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium pollution is a serious environmental issue that has an impact on both the ecosystem and human health. As a result, its removal from water is essential. Agro-industrial wastes are suggested as a sustainable adsorbent option, as they are among the most readily available renewable sources worldwide. Biochar is a carbonized biomass that has been shown to be a viable and novel adsorbent. This article compares the results of cadmium adsorption on biochars derived from wood industry and craft beer production wastes. Biochars were characterized before and after adsorption. Batch adsorption results of 0.18 mmol/L Cd(II) concentration solutions indicated adsorption percentages (A%) of 99.7% and 92.2% for sawdust biochar and barley biochar, respectively. For this cadmium concentration, the sawdust biochar presented an adsorption capacity (qm) of 0.0172 mmol/L, while the barley biochar presented a value of 0.0159 mmol/L. The influence of initial Cd(II) concentration on single and multimetal solutions was studied, and a decrease in Cd(II) adsorption on sawdust biochar was observed in the presence of Ni(II) and Zn(II). The Freundlich isotherm model was found to be the best fit to the data for Cd(II) adsorption isotherms on both biochars. According to the results of this article, sawdust biochar has the best performance as an adsorbent and can be safely disposed of in building bricks at the end of its useful life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using peanut shells, a sustainable agricultural waste product, as its raw material, the acid group-modified biochar (AMBC) was prepared through phosphoric acid activation, partial carbonization, and concentrated sulfuric acid sulfonation for efficient removal of lead ion from aqueous solutions. Characterization techniques such as N2 isothermal adsorption–desorption, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, TG-DTA, and acid–base titration were utilized to fully understand the properties of the AMBC. It was found that there were high densities of acidic oxygen-containing functional groups (-SO3H, -COOH, Ph-OH) on the surface of the AMBC. The optimal adsorption performance of the AMBC for Pb(II) in water occurred when the initial concentration of Pb(II) was 100 mg/L, the pH was 5, the dosage of the adsorbent was 0.5 g/L, and the contact time was 120 min. Under the optimal conditions, the removal ratio of Pb(II) was 76.0%, with an adsorption capacity of 148.6 mg/g. This performance far surpassed that of its activated carbon precursor, which achieved a removal ratio of 39.7% and an adsorption capacity of 83.1 mg/g. The superior adsorption performance of AMBC can be caused by the high content of acidic oxygen-containing functional groups on its surface. These functional groups facilitate the strong binding between AMBC and Pb(II), enabling effective removal from water solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates water quality (surface and deep wells as well as tap water) within villages of the El-Kharga Oasis (New Valley), focusing on their chemical composition, Fe contents, and potential hazards quantifying human exposure to Fe through different pathways, i.e., ingestion and dermal contact. Generally, the water quality meets the standards of the WHO guidelines for most sites, except for Fe, whose total and soluble contents in surface and ground waters exceed the permissible levels. Fe was higher in surface wells than in the deeper ones. Moreover, total Fe was higher than the permissible level in tap water, indicating potential health hazards for children living therein (hazardous index > 1). Another lab experiment was conducted to assess the efficacy of using dolomite, calcite, glauconite, and biochar for Fe removal from solutions artificially contaminated with Fe at a rate of 1000 mg Fe L−1. Generally, Fe solubility decreased with increasing the pH of media from two to seven. Dolomite exhibited the highest efficiency for removing Fe from the solution for five successive cycles, with slight reductions in efficiency from 100% to 93.67% between the first and fifth cycle. Overall, Fe removal efficiencies followed the order of calcite > dolomite > biochar > glauconite. This sorption fitted the Langmuir isotherm model, and its kinetics (5–20 min) followed a pseudo-second order model. Furthermore, Fe recovery from dolomite was high, ranging from 100%, while decreased slightly to 92.93% in the fifth cycle. Although the results for calcite were also promising, our results showed its higher erodibility rate compared to dolomite. These findings offer valuable insights towards managing water quality and developing solutions for treating contaminated water sources, with a specific emphasis on the efficacy of dolomite and calcite for removing Fe from Fe-contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, magnetic (Fe)-loaded biochar was successfully prepared by a simple impregnation pyrolysis method. Meanwhile, its degradation capability and mechanism for typical antibiotic metronidazole (MNZ) were systematically investigated under different conditions. The characterization of the synthesized material showed that the specific surface area, pore diameter, and pore volume changed significantly. Also, functional groups and metal element Fe were introduced on the surface of the biochar, leading to its better capability to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The degradation experiments showed that the removal of MNZ in the Fe-BC/PMS system can reach up to 95.3% in 60 min under optimal conditions. Free-radical capture experiments showed that there were several active species of •OH, SO4•−, •O2−, and 1O2 present in the catalyst to synergistically degrade MNZ, among which SO4•− played a major role; it was also found that the material can be easily recycled and was still effective after several uses. Further, the main degradation pathways of MNZ include nitrohydroxylation, hydroxyethyl functional group deletion, carboxylation of the amino functional group of •OH, demethylation, oxidation, and carboxylation. It is obvious that the synthesized magnetic-loaded biochar, Fe-BC, generated from waste rape straw crops, shows high catalytic performance in pollutant degradation, providing an insight into the recycling potential of waste biomass in the catalytic field for pollutant removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) contamination in water poses a significant threat to public health across the globe which requires effective remediation strategies. The main objective of this study is to achieve a removal efficiency of Pb(II) ions from aqueous media using activated Syzygium cumini (java plum) stem biochar. It was prepared by slow pyrolysis at 400 °C after treating the biomass with potassium hydroxide for activation. These biochars were characterized thoroughly (SEM, SEM–EDX, TEM, FTIR, XRD, elemental analyses, and SBET) to conduct a set of batch experiments. The effect of several parameters such as pH, temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial lead concentrations, and co-existing ions were explored. The decrease in starting lead concentrations from 50 to 10 mg L−1 resulted in improved removal efficiency. The removal effectiveness of activated biochar was 97%, but non-activated biochar was just 19%. Lead adsorption increased considerably as pH increased from 3 to 5. Further, the activated biochar was optimized through various isotherms models, kinetic equations, and thermodynamic analysis. It was observed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Temkin isotherms were the best-fitted models that identify the mechanism of chemisorption and monolayer sorption. According to this study, activated biochar is a promising biosorbent for removing lead from an aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana peels waste can be utilized to produce high quality biochar that can be incorporated into the soil for sustainable production of crops. This research analyzed several properties of the biochar produced from the banana peel at different temperatures, residence times and heating rates. This study focuses on the biochar yield and the EDX analysis of the biochar produced. Response surface methodology using central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize these parameters in the batch reactor pyrolysis system. These factors were operated in different ranges for banana peels, in which pyrolysis temperature (200 to 600°C), residence time (60 to 180 min) and heating rate (5 to 15°C·min[sup -1]) were varied using 20 experiments respectively. Quality of the biochar was determined based on the biochar yield and O/C ratio. The optimum biochar chosen from the CCD model was applied to several pots of Ipomoea aquatica in different biochar dosage levels of 0, 3, 9 and 15 g (0, 1, 3 and 5 wt% of soil) respectively. Pot experiment was conducted with completely randomized design (CRD) of one factor with five replications to correlate the average plant heights with the biochar dosage levels. Results showed that biochar dosage of 1% yields the highest average final Ipomoea aquatica plant height of 37.04 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating innovation and environmental responsibility has become important in pursuing sustainable industrial practices in the contemporary world. These twin imperatives have stimulated research into developing methods that optimize industrial processes, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness while mitigating undesirable ecological impacts. This objective is exemplified by the emergence of biochar derived from the thermo-chemical transformation of biomass. This review examines biochar production methods and their potential applications across various aspects of the iron and steel industries (ISI). The technical, economic, and sustainable implications of integrating biochar into the ISI were explored. Slow pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization are the most efficient methods for higher biochar yield (25–90%). Biochar has several advantages- higher heating value (30–32 MJ/kg), more porosity (58.22%), and significantly larger surface area (113 m2/g) compared to coal and coke. However, the presence of biochar often reduces fluidity in a coal-biochar mixture. The findings highlighted that biochar production and implementation in ISI often come with higher costs, primarily due to the higher expense of substitute fuels compared to traditional fossil fuels. The economic viability and societal desirability of biochar are highly uncertain and vary significantly based on factors such as location, feedstock type, production scale, and biochar pricing, among others. Furthermore, biomass and biochar supply chain is another important factor which determines its large scale implementation. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to reduce emissions from BF-BOF operations by utilizing biochar technologies. Overall, the present study explored integrating diverse biochar production methods into the ISI aiming to contribute to the ongoing research on sustainable manufacturing practices, underscoring their significance in shaping a more environmentally conscious future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to develop a low-cost and sustainable composite material from solid waste to efficiently treat acid mine drainage (AMD). A modified reactor was used to produce the biochar-CaO composite from solid waste, which was characterized using XRD and SEM to determine the crystal structure, size, and surface morphology. The composite exhibited high adsorption capacity for AMD species, including Fe, Mn, and Mg metals, with an equilibrium point achieved at 300 min of contact time. The percent removal of AMD species varied with pH conditions, and the Langmuir isotherm model was found to describe the adsorption behavior of the composite adequately. The biochar-CaO composite showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 440 mg/g and held significant potential as an economical and efficient solution for AMD remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar as a highly promising CO2 adsorbent is of great significance in addressing global warming and promoting human health. Research has shown that nitrogen doping improves the CO2 adsorption performance of biochar, but selecting chemical nitrogen sources such as urea and melamine to prepare nitrogen-doped biochar is not conducive to green production and environmental protection. Therefore, it is necessary to identify a new nitrogen source to enhance the emission reduction characteristics of this process. This study selected corn straw as the raw material and cow manure as a representative protein-based nitrogen source to explore its potential as a urea substitute and reveal the hydrothermal carbonization doping mechanism of different nitrogen sources. The results indicated that in raw materials with the same C/N ratio, biochar prepared from cow manure as the nitrogen source had a better doping effect and CO2 adsorption performance. Moreover, a moderate amount of cow manure was beneficial for efficient nitrogen doping and the adsorption of CO2 by biochar, with a maximum CO2 adsorption performance improvement of 32.7%. Due to the different carbon-nitrogen bonds of the different nitrogen sources, urea was more likely to retain amino groups, while macromolecular protein nitrogen sources tended to retain structural nitrogen. The results of this study provide new ideas and theoretical support for preparing other nitrogen-doped carbon materials derived from biomass. Highlights: • Doping effect of cow manure is stronger than urea under the same C/N value of raw materials. • Moderate addition of cow manure is beneficial for nitrogen doping of biochar. • Small-molecule nitrogen sources help retain amino groups and protein nitrogen sources help retain structural nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In term of hazardous waste vitrification, its slag utilization has become a pivotal part of achieving cost reduction. This research has demonstrated the potential of preparing foam glass ceramics through sintering vitrification slag (VS) and biochar (C). It was inferred in TG-DSC analysis that the appropriate sintering temperature for preparing the foam glass ceramics from VS and C was estimated to be roughly 1000–1050°C. The phase and structural transformation of the VS/C system during the sintering process showed that the C promoted the formations of aluminum oxide, grossular ferrian, and merwinite phase; however, the glassy phase still took a leading role. Synchronously, the crystalline phase forming may impact the pore construction. An excellent foam glass showing a dense glossy surface, an evenly distributed honeycomb structure inside, and outstanding integrated performance could be attained through sintering the VS with 2 wt.% C as well as 2 wt.% Na3P2O7 at 1050°C for 60 min. The discoveries could offer an emerging way of employing the VS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the potential benefits of using zinc lysine and biochar to enhance the growth and physiological performance of wheat plants under saline stress. The study found that the combined application of biochar and zinc lysine significantly improved various physiological attributes and reduced oxidative stress indicators. The authors suggest that this combined treatment could be a practical solution to mitigate salt stress in plants, but further field studies are needed to validate these findings. The document also includes a list of references that library patrons can use to further explore topics related to plant stress and agricultural practices. [Extracted from the article]

Anaerobic digestion technology, effective for sustainable waste management and renewable energy, but challenged by slow reaction rates and low biogas yields, could benefit from advancements in magnetic nanomaterials. This review explores the potential of magnetic nanomaterials, particularly magnetic biochar nanocomposites, to address these challenges by serving as electron conduits and providing essential iron. This review contributes a thorough overview of the application of magnetic nanoparticles loaded into biochar in anaerobic digestion and engages in a comprehensive discussion regarding the synthesis methods and characterization of various magnetic nanoparticles, elucidating their mechanisms of action in both the absence and presence of magnetic fields. Our review underscores the predominance of co-precipitation (53%) and commercially sourced nanoparticles (29%) as the main synthesis methods, with chemical reduction, pyrolysis, and green synthesis pathways less commonly utilized (8%, 5%, and 5%, respectively). Notably, pyrolysis is predominantly employed for synthesizing magnetic biochar nanocomposites, reflecting its prevalence in 100% of cases for this specific application. By offering a critical evaluation of the current state of knowledge and discussing the challenges and future directions for research in this field, this review can help researchers and practitioners better understand the potential of magnetic biochar nanocomposites for enhancing anaerobic digestion performance and ultimately advancing sustainable waste management and renewable energy production. Highlights: Critical insights into using magnetic nanoparticles within biochar as a solution to sustainable waste management. Fe3O4, nZVI, and Fe2O3 are prevalent in enhancing anaerobic digestion processes. Insights offered on nanoparticle utilization, magnetic field impacts, and sustainable solutions integrating biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics are extensively used in agriculture, but their weathering and degradation generates microplastics (MPs) that can be carried by runoff into water bodies where they can accumulate and impact wildlife. Due to its physicochemical properties, biochar has shown promise in mitigating contaminants in agricultural runoff. However, few studies have examined its effectiveness at removing MPs. In this study, we assessed MP pollution (>30 µm) in runoff from a farm in the Mississippi Delta and examined the effectiveness of biochar (pinewood and sugarcane) to remove MPs from aqueous solutions. Using micro-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (µ-FTIR), we observed an average of 237 MPs/L (range 27-609) in the runoff, with most particles identified as polyethylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and polyarylamide. Biochar columns effectively removed MPs from runoff samples with reductions ranging from 86.6% to 92.6%. MPs of different sizes, shapes, and types were stained with Nile red dye (to facilitate observation by fluorescence) and quantified their downward progress with multiple column volumes of water and wet/dry cycles. Smaller MPs penetrated the columns further, but ≥90% of MPs were retained in the ~20 cm columns regardless of their shape, size, and type. We attribute these results to physical entrapment, hydrophobic behaviors, and electrostatic interactions. Overall, this proof-of-concept work suggests biochar may serve as a cost-effective approach to remove MPs from runoff, and that subsequent field studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metribuzin (MB), a triazinone herbicide is extensively sprayed for weed control in agriculture, has been reported to contaminate soil, groundwater, and surface waters. In soil, MB residues can negatively affect not only the germination of subsequent crops but also disturb soil bacterial community. The present study describes the use of biochar as a carrier material to immobilize MB-degrading bacterial consortium, for remediation of MB-contaminated soil and restoration of soil bacterial community in soil microcosms. The bacterial consortium (MB3R) comprised four bacterial strains, i.e., Rhodococcus rhodochrous AQ1, Bacillus tequilensis AQ2, Bacillus aryabhattai AQ3, and Bacillus safensis AQ4. Significantly higher MB remediation was observed in soil augmented with bacterial consortium immobilized on biochar compared to the soil augmented with un-immobilized bacterial consortium. Immobilization of MB3R on biochar resulted in higher MB degradation rate (0.017 Kd−1 ) and reduced half-life (40 days) compared to 0.010 Kd−1 degradation rate and 68 day half-life in treatments where un-immobilized bacterial consortium was employed. It is worth mentioning that the MB degradation products metribuzin-desamino (DA), metribuzin-diketo (DK), and metribuzin desaminodiketo (DADK) were detected in the treatments where MB3R was inoculated either alone or in combination with biochar. MB contamination significantly altered the composition of soil bacteria. However, soil bacterial community was conserved in response to augmentation with MB3R immobilized on biochar. Immobilization of the bacterial consortium MB3R on biochar can potentially be exploited for remediation of MB-contaminated soil and protecting its microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar can significantly alter soil properties and therefore can play an important role in increasing the resilience of agricultural systems to salt conditions. To match biochar to salt-affected soil constraints and application needs, a thorough understanding of the impact of biochar, soil properties and experimental conditions on crop productivity and soil salinity is necessary. This meta-analysis (MA) of the available literature for the first time quantitatively assessed the effect of not only biochar applied to salt-affected soils but also that of different salt-affected soil properties on crop productivity and soil salinity. The results showed that biochar was most effective at improving crop productivity in salt-affected soils, with an application rate ranging from 40–50 t/ha, a C/N ratio ranging from 40–60, a pyrolysis temperature ranging from 450–550 °C and a pH ranging from 7–8. Biochar with an EC of < 2 mS/cm, an application rate of 20–30 t/ha, a C/N ratio of > 80 t/ha or a pyrolysis temperature of < 450 °C reduced the soil salinity. Regardless of climatic and soil conditions, biochar applied to salt-affected soils increased crop productivity under different climatic conditions. Biochar increased soil salinity under different temperature and soil pH conditions and decreased soil salinity in salt-affected soils treated with all types of salts. Biochar was most effective at improving crop productivity and soil salinity in sulfate-dominated saline soils. Regardless of the planting and management practices, biochar increased crop productivity in salt-affected soils. The combined application of biochar and inorganic fertilizer significantly increased crop productivity and kept soil salinity unchanged. This meta-analysis provides the first quantitative review of the effect of biochar on crop productivity and soil salinity in salt-affected soils, which is critical for developing engineered biochar to restore salt-affected soils and promote food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deliberate open burning of crop residues emits greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. This study investigates the environmental impacts (global warming potential, GWP) and economic impacts (net cash flow) of nine agricultural residue management schemes, including open burning, fertilizer production, and biochar production for corn residue, rice straw, and sugarcane leaves. The environmental assessment shows that, except the open burning schemes, fossil fuel consumption is the main contributor of the GWP impact. The fertilizer and biochar schemes reduce the GWP impact including black carbon by 1.88–1.96 and 2.46–3.22 times compared to open burning. The biochar schemes have the lowest GWP (− 1833.19 to − 1473.21 kg CO2-eq/ton). The economic assessment outcomes reveal that the biochar schemes have the highest net cash flow (222.72—889.31 US$2022/ton or 1258.15–13409.16 US$2022/ha). The expenditures of open burning are practically zero, while the biochar schemes are the most costly to operate. The most preferable agricultural residue management type is the biochar production, given the lowest GWP impact and the highest net cash flow. To discourage open burning, the government should tailor the government assistance programs to the needs of the farmers and make the financial assistance more accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]