Non Soil Biochar Applications

Biochar is a carbon rich solid material resulting from the pyrolysis of biomass under oxygen-free and low temperature conditions. Although most research is directed towards the application of biochar to soils, there are several other biochar properties that render it a suitable candidate for non-soil applications. A growing number of studies have tested biochar as a composite in building materials, as a hazardous substance adsorbent in drinking water and wastewater, and as a component in filters for indoor air quality and storm water management. The potential to utilize biochar for various applications depends on its properties. For example, biochar with high electrical conductivity, porosity and stability at lower temperatures is preferred as electrodes material in microbial fuel cells. Biochar containing relatively high structural bound oxygen groups is preferred in direct carbon fuel cells. On the other hand, biochars with increased particle strength, hydrophobicity and high surface area are suitable candidates for the development of reusable catalysts for chemical reactions. These new high-value applications are still in their infancy, and further research and development is needed to reach commercialization. Optimum reaction conditions for producing biochar are not always the same and reproducibility is often not satisfactory, even when the same biomass is used and the same production conditions are present. This book on non-soil biochar applications aims to highlight the diversity of biochar as a multi-functional material and introduce some new and emerging applications to the wider scientific community. It will act as a reference document to all groups and individuals working or interested in biochar research and will be a valuable contribution to existing published literature.

Biochar is a carbon rich solid material resulting from the pyrolysis of biomass under oxygen-free and low temperature conditions. Although most research is directed towards the application of biochar to soils, there are several other biochar properties that render it a suitable candidate for non-soil applications. A growing number of studies have tested biochar as a composite in building materials, as a hazardous substance adsorbent in drinking water and wastewater, and as a component in filters for indoor air quality and storm water management. The potential to utilize biochar for various applications depends on its properties. For example, biochar with high electrical conductivity, porosity and stability at lower temperatures is preferred as electrodes material in microbial fuel cells. Biochar containing relatively high structural bound oxygen groups is preferred in direct carbon fuel cells. On the other hand, biochars with increased particle strength, hydrophobicity and high surface area are suitable candidates for the development of reusable catalysts for chemical reactions. These new high-value applications are still in their infancy, and further research and development is needed to reach commercialization. Optimum reaction conditions for producing biochar are not always the same and reproducibility is often not satisfactory, even when the same biomass is used and the same production conditions are present. This book on non-soil biochar applications aims to highlight the diversity of biochar as a multi-functional material and introduce some new and emerging applications to the wider scientific community. It will act as a reference document to all groups and individuals working or interested in biochar research and will be a valuable contribution to existing published literature.

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from the pyrolysis of organic materials from agricultural and forestry biomass at a relatively low temperature in the absence of oxygen. As such, it has potential for solving many agricultural and environmental problems.This book is divided into five sections: “Introduction,” “Production and Legislation of Biochar,” “Applications of Biochar for Soil Fertility Improvement,” “Role of Biochar for Soil Remediation and Ameliorating Salinity Effects” and “Applications of Biochar for Water Treatment.” Chapters address topics such as the pros and cons of biochar, its production, and its role in remediating and treating contaminated soils and water.

This book provides up-to-date information on biochar use in management of soil health, agriculture productivity, green-house gases, restoration ecology and environment. Biochar application to nutrient deficient and disturbed soils is a viable option which may promotes advances in food safety and food security to human nutrition and overall fundamental research in the agricultural sciences. The book describes in detail how the recalcitrant biochar is able to persist for long periods of time and work as a shelter for soil microbial colonisation and their biomass/numbers. This book also includes contents related to important role of biochar applications in the restoration of contaminated agricultural soils. The book will be of particular interest to students, teachers and researchers in the disciplines.

This book focuses on value addition to various waste streams, which include industrial waste, agricultural waste, and municipal solid and liquid waste. It addresses the utilization of waste to generate valuable products such as electricity, fuel, fertilizers, and chemicals, while placing special emphasis on environmental concerns and presenting a multidisciplinary approach for handling waste. Including chapters authored by prominent national and international experts, the book will be of interest to researchers, professionals and policymakers alike.

The role of biochar in improving soil fertility is increasingly being recognized and is leading to recommendations of biochar amendment of degraded soils. In addition, biochars offer a sustainable tool for managing organic wastes and to produce added-value products. The benefits of biochar use in agriculture and forestry can span enhanced plant productivity, an increase in soil C stocks, and a reduction of nutrient losses from soil and non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, biochar composition and properties and, therefore, its performance as a soil amendment are highly dependent on the feedstock and pyrolysis conditions. In addition, due to its characteristics, such as high porosity, water retention, and adsorption capacity, there are other applications for biochar that still need to be properly tested. Thus, the 16 original articles contained in this book, which were selected and evaluated for this Special Issue, provide a comprehensive overview of the biological, chemicophysical, biochemical, and environmental aspects of the application of biochar as soil amendment. Specifically, they address the applicability of biochar for nursery growth, its effects on the productivity of various food crops under contrasting conditions, biochar capacity for pesticide retention, assessment of greenhouse gas emissions, and soil carbon dynamics. I would like to thank the contributors, reviewers, and the support of the Agronomy editorial staff, whose professionalism and dedication have made this issue possible.

This book systematically covers the fundamentals and applications of modified biochar. The 19 chapters are divided into 3 sections that provide a holistic overview for researchers from all related fields. Section 1 and 2 present the pyrolysis process, including the advantages and limitations of the physical, chemical, and biological modification methods and characterization of modified biochar. Section 3 highlights the wide spectrum of applications of modified biochar in fuel cells and batteries, remediation of organic and inorganic contaminants from soil and water and soil fertilization. Given its scope, the book appeals to a broad readership in various fields of chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental science.