This review comprehensively explores the characteristics and applications of torrefied bamboo. Bamboo has a high volatile matter (VM) content (73.9-93.0 %), which results in substantial liquid byproducts during torrefaction. The higher heating value (HHV) of biochar produced from wet torrefaction (WT) is greater than that made from dry torrefaction (DT). When the torrefaction severity factor is 8.7, the bamboo hydrochar's HHV from WT can achieve 29.3 MJ⋅kg-1, whereas bamboo biochar from DT only have 23.3 MJ⋅kg-1. Bamboo vinegar and tar, byproducts from bamboo torrefaction, are effective biopesticides and have diverse applications, including polyurethane coatings and insecticides. Life cycle assessments reveal that bamboo-based building materials can reduce carbon footprints by 46.2 % to 87.6 % compared to traditional construction materials. Furthermore, bamboo materials are highly beneficial for the circular economy and environmental sustainability. In summary, bamboo biochar's applications are extensive, and its derived products are commercially competitive and environmentally friendly.
- Klíčová slova
- Bamboo biochar and hydrochar, Circular economy, Sustainability, Torrefaction, Vinegar and tar, Waste valorization,
- MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí chemie MeSH
- konstrukční materiály MeSH
- Sasa * chemie MeSH
- zachování přírodních zdrojů * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biochar MeSH Prohlížeč
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí MeSH
Two novel and unique adsorptive materials, one (Fluorolock®) from clay mineral sepiolite coated with the cationic polymer polydiallyldimethylammionium chloride (pDADMAC) and the other (Intraplex®) from colloidal activated carbon were specially developed for the in situ remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the saturated zone. We evaluated the potential of both materials to immobilize PFAS in soils under flow conditions via soil column experiments using groundwater, which was contaminated with PFAS in the field. Furthermore, the potential ecotoxicological effects of both materials on aquatic organisms were assessed by exposing the soil column effluent to Daphnia magna. Soils amended with Fluorolock® and Intraplex® led to a significant reduced leaching of PFAS. Intraplex® had higher PFAS immobilization efficiency than Fluorolock® likely due to its higher carbon content (84 % higher than Fluorolock®) and larger specific surface area (93 % higher than Fluorolock®). Fluorolock® and Intraplex® resulted in changes in water parameters, however, the effluent from soil amended with Fluorolock® exhibited mild toxicity, whereas the amended with Intraplex® was not toxic to D. magna. The distinct PFAS immobilization and the respective toxicity outcomes, with Fluorolock® showing mild toxicity and Intraplex® exhibiting no toxicity to D. magna, indicate that Fluorolock® and Intraplex® could be suitable for the remediation of groundwater contaminated with PFAS.
- Klíčová slova
- Aquifer, Daphnia magna, Immobilization, Remediation,
- MeSH
- adsorpce MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * chemie toxicita MeSH
- Daphnia účinky léků MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * chemie MeSH
- fluorokarbony * chemie toxicita MeSH
- jíl MeSH
- koloidy chemie MeSH
- podzemní voda * chemie MeSH
- regenerace a remediace životního prostředí metody MeSH
- silikáty hliníku * chemie MeSH
- uhlík chemie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * MeSH
- fluorokarbony * MeSH
- jíl MeSH
- koloidy MeSH
- silikáty hliníku * MeSH
- uhlík MeSH
The aim of the studies was to evaluate the content of macroelements, trace elements, and radionuclides in mixtures of bottom sediments (BS) with dolomite (D), sewage sludge (SS), and biochar (BC). The bottom sediment was mixed with side products in the ratio of 80% bottom sediment and 20% dolomite, sewage sludge and biochar respectively. After the experiment, chemical analyses were conducted on the growing medium and plant material. The properties of the mixtures showed a high content of TOC and an alkaline and slightly acidic reaction. The highest content of macronutrients was found in the mixtures of bottom sediments and dolomite (Ca, Mg) and in the mixtures of bottom sediments and sewage sludge (S, P). The use of mixtures reduced the content of toxic elements, such as Cd and Pb in the biomass. In the mixed samples, it was also found that the content of natural radionuclides decreased in most of the samples analysed. An exception was the BS+BC mixture, since in this system an increase in 137Cs and 210Pb was observed. The heavy metal content in the mixtures was below toxic limits and the addition of sewage sludge, dolomite, and biochar to the sediment did not increase its radioactivity to dangerous levels. The bottom sediment-based mixture suitable for use in agriculture and would not pose an environmental risk. However, the analysed mixtures based on bottom sediments and waste cannot replace fertilisers due to low total content of nutrients.
- Klíčová slova
- Bottom sediments, Chemical composition, Growing medium, Nutrients, Pollution, Side products,
- MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí chemie analýza MeSH
- geologické sedimenty * chemie analýza MeSH
- hořčík analýza chemie MeSH
- odpadní vody chemie analýza MeSH
- radionuklidy * analýza MeSH
- stopové prvky * analýza MeSH
- těžké kovy analýza MeSH
- uhličitan vápenatý MeSH
- zemědělství * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biochar MeSH Prohlížeč
- calcium magnesium carbonate MeSH Prohlížeč
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí MeSH
- hořčík MeSH
- odpadní vody MeSH
- radionuklidy * MeSH
- stopové prvky * MeSH
- těžké kovy MeSH
- uhličitan vápenatý MeSH
Biochar (BC) is a carbon-rich material created from biomass pyrolysis. It is an efficient addition for reducing ammonia inhibition due to its large specific surface area, porosity, conductivity, redox characteristics, and functional groups making it favorable for both soil and water remediation. The efficacy of biochar on the N cycle is associated with biochar properties which are mainly affected by feedstock type and pyrolysis condition. The addition of BC to soil affects nitrogen adsorption pathways. Other advantages include improved soil fertility, nutrient immobilization, and slow-release carbon storage. Biochar adsorption of ammonia reduces ammonia (NH3) and nitrate (NO3) losses during composting after manure applications and provides a method for creating slow-release fertilizers. Depending on the N source and the properties of the biochar, NH3 loss reductions vary. Besides improving soil dynamics, BC can also be used in wastewater treatment. Engineered or designer biochar is positioned as a promising material for wastewater treatment due to its enhanced properties and versatility.
- Klíčová slova
- Ammonia, Biochar, Immobilization, Nitrate, Nitrite,
- MeSH
- adsorpce MeSH
- amoniak * metabolismus chemie MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * chemie MeSH
- dusitany * metabolismus chemie MeSH
- průmyslová hnojiva MeSH
- půda * chemie MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Názvy látek
- amoniak * MeSH
- biochar MeSH Prohlížeč
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * MeSH
- dusitany * MeSH
- průmyslová hnojiva MeSH
- půda * MeSH
The increasing global population and urbanization have led to significant challenges in waste management, particularly concerning vacuum blackwater (VBW), which is the wastewater generated from vacuum toilets. Traditional treatment methods, such as landfilling and composting, often fall short in terms of efficiency and sustainability. Anaerobic digestion (AD) has emerged as a promising alternative, offering benefits such as biogas production and digestate generation. However, the performance of AD can be influenced by various factors, including the composition of the feedstock, pH levels, and the presence of inhibitors. This review investigates the effects of calcium oxide (CaO)-modified biochar (BC) as an additive in AD of VBW. Modifying BC with CaO enhances its alkalinity, nutrient retention, and adsorption capacity, creating a more favorable environment for microorganisms and promoting biogas production, which serves as a valuable source of heat, fuel and electricity. Additionally, the digestate can be processed through plasma pyrolysis to ensure the complete destruction of pathogens while promoting resource utilization. Plasma pyrolysis operates at extremely high temperatures, effectively sterilizing the digestate and eliminating both pathogens and harmful contaminants. This process not only guarantees the safety of the end products, but also transforms organic materials into valuable outputs such as syngas and slag. The syngas produced is a versatile energy carrier that can be utilized as a source of hydrogen, electricity, and heat, making it a valuable resource for various applications, including fuel cells and power generation. Furthermore, the slag has potential for reuse as an additive in the AD process or as a biofertilizer to enhance soil properties. This study aims to provide insights into the benefits of using modified BC as a co-substrate in AD systems. The findings will contribute to the development of more sustainable and efficient waste management strategies, addressing the challenges associated with VBW treatment while promoting renewable energy production.
- Klíčová slova
- anaerobic digestion, bioenergy recovery, calcium oxide-modified biochar, integrated methods, vacuum blackwater,
- MeSH
- anaerobióza MeSH
- biopaliva MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * chemie MeSH
- nakládání s odpady metody MeSH
- odpadní voda * chemie MeSH
- oxidy * chemie MeSH
- sloučeniny vápníku * chemie MeSH
- vakuum MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biochar MeSH Prohlížeč
- biopaliva MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * MeSH
- lime MeSH Prohlížeč
- odpadní voda * MeSH
- oxidy * MeSH
- sloučeniny vápníku * MeSH
A variety of waste materials are currently being processed using pyrolysis with the objective of valorization, transformation, and conversion into valuable raw materials that can be further utilized. In this work, three different types of char produced from pine sawdust, waste tires and waste from the flat panel display fraction of electrical and electronic equipment were studied. For selection of suitable application, it is necessary to characterize them. The majority of studies focus only on the analysis of the composition and properties of the resulting chars. Nevertheless, the most prevalent utilization of char is in the environment as a soil amendment or adsorbent for the removal of pollutants from water, soil, and air. For this reason, this work incorporated a comprehensive characterization, including an ecotoxicological assessment of the environmental impacts and health risks during their handling/storage. Based on the obtained results and the legislation, a suitable and safe application of the chars was recommended. As presumed, the tested char samples varied in their composition and properties. Biochar from pine sawdust possessed suitable surface properties to be used as a potentially effective adsorbent for water treatment. However, it demonstrated increased ecotoxicity against aquatic organisms, prompting its recommendation for soil application. Waste tires char can be safely used only as an absorbent for air purification due to its high ecotoxicity for aquatic organisms and high PAHs concentration, which disables its soil application. It is inadvisable to utilize char produced from electro-waste plastics in the environment due to its toxic composition, high volatile organic compounds and PAHs content and ecotoxicity. This study confirmed the importance and necessity of using multiple ecotoxicological tests involving different groups of organisms in the characterization of chars (also biochar) to exclude potential negative impacts of their further application.
- Klíčová slova
- Char (tires, electro-waste plastics, sawdust), Characterization, Ecotoxicity, Health risk, Waste valorization,
- MeSH
- biomasa MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * chemie MeSH
- elektronický odpad analýza MeSH
- hodnocení rizik MeSH
- plastické hmoty * chemie analýza MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biochar MeSH Prohlížeč
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * MeSH
- plastické hmoty * MeSH
Cypermethrin (Cyp), a persistent synthetic pyrethroid insecticide widely used for insect control. The persistence of Cyp creates toxicity to both humans and the environment This study investigates biochar and Bacillus cereus distinct and collective effects on Cyp -contaminated soil during a 90-day incubation. This study also investigates the effects of different concentrations of Cyp (50, 100, ,500 to 1000 mg kg-1) on soil physicochemical and biological activities during a 90-day incubation period. Microbial biomass carbon and soil respiration rates decreased significantly across all cypermethrin concentrations, with the most substantial reductions observed at 1000 mg kg-1. However noticeable variations in soil enzymes and MBC over time during the entire incubation period. On 1st day, the GMean Enz and MBC rate for Cyp treatments (50, 100, ,500 to 1000 mg kg-1) ranged from 0.98 to 0.63, and 9.06, to 5.03, respectively. Under Cyp pollution, microbial biomass carbon exhibited significant decreases, with the highest inhibition (86.2%) at 1000 mg kg-1 on 1st day of incubation. Soil respiration rates dropped 77%, at 1000 mg kg-1, and Integrated biomarker response (IBR) values peaked on day 30, indicating environmental stress. Biochar and Bacillus cereus effectively facilitated the degradation of Cyp, achieving approximately 85% degradation within the first 45 days of the experiment. The combined application of biochar and Bacillus cereus increased soil pH to a neutral level from 5.9, to 7.1, reduced electrical conductivity from 1.41 µS cm- 1 to 1.20 µS cm-1, and elevated cation exchange capacity from 1.54 ± 0.04 to 6.18 C mol kg-1, while also improving organic carbon content to 3.135%. However, the dehydrogenase activity was decresed upto 47% in the combined application and all other enzymes including urasese catlayse and phostasese enzymes with Gmean enzymeatic activities were significantly improved. These findings suggest biochar and bacterial interaction for soil management to enhance soil resilience against pesticide stress.
- Klíčová slova
- Biomarker response, Cypermethrin degradation, Microbial activities, Soil management,
- MeSH
- Bacillus cereus * účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- biodegradace MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * chemie MeSH
- insekticidy metabolismus toxicita MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * toxicita MeSH
- půda * chemie MeSH
- půdní mikrobiologie * MeSH
- pyrethriny * metabolismus toxicita MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biochar MeSH Prohlížeč
- cypermethrin MeSH Prohlížeč
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * MeSH
- insekticidy MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- půda * MeSH
- pyrethriny * MeSH
Cd toxicity emerges as a major environmental concern with detrimental impacts on global agricultural systems and food safety. Therefore, there is an urgent need to cope with the high concentration of Cd in the soil and crops. This study elucidates the potential of iron (FeBC) and zinc doped biochar (ZnBC) on the growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Cd-contaminated soil. The parallels of biochemical attributes and Cd absorption of Cicer arietinum L. were investigated after a 120-day pot trial under 1% (w/w) biochar doses and two Cd concentrations (25 and 50 mg kg-1). The results demonstrated that FeBC was more effective in promoting plant growth by reducing Cd mobility in soil than ZnBC and normal biochar (NBC). Additionally, the application of FeBC resulted in significant improvement in photosynthesis rate (53.98%), transpiration rate (91.53%), stomatal conductance (197%), and sub-stomatal conductance (213.33%) compared to other applied treatments. Cd uptake in roots, shoots, and grains was reduced by 44.19%, 56.89%, and 88.25% respectively with the application of FeBC. Notably, the highest decrease in Cd bioaccumulation factor (99.72% and 99.65%) and Cd translocation factor (99.89% and 99.85%) were recorded under FeBC application in 25 and 50 mg kg-1 Cd-contaminated soils, respectively. The improved plant growth and reduced Cd buildup with FeBC under Cd stress suggest that FeBC is a promising strategy to remediate Cd-contaminated soil and simultaneously promote sustainable production of legume crops in Cd-contaminated soils.
- Klíčová slova
- Adsorption, Bioremediation, Cadmium, Iron and zinc doped biochar, Risk assessment,
- MeSH
- Cicer * účinky léků růst a vývoj MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * chemie MeSH
- fotosyntéza účinky léků MeSH
- kadmium * toxicita MeSH
- kořeny rostlin metabolismus MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * toxicita MeSH
- půda * chemie MeSH
- regenerace a remediace životního prostředí metody MeSH
- železo * chemie MeSH
- zinek * toxicita chemie MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biochar MeSH Prohlížeč
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * MeSH
- kadmium * MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- půda * MeSH
- železo * MeSH
- zinek * MeSH
Sewage sludge, a byproduct of wastewater treatment, poses serious environmental and health risks due to its content of organic contaminants, heavy metals, and pathogenic microorganisms. With the growing global production of municipal wastewater, finding effective methods for managing and disposing of sewage sludge has become increasingly urgent. Traditional methods such as land disposal, dumping, and incineration have limitations and environmental drawbacks. However, recent advancements have shown promise in the valorization of sewage sludge, particularly through pyrolysis, which converts it into biochar for use in soil amendment and pollutant mitigation. This study aims to characterize and fractionate phosphate-amended sewage sludge biochar produced at 300 °C, 400 °C, and 500 °C, and to evaluate its potential use in soil-plant systems. It examines nutrient bioavailability in soil after the addition of this biochar and its effects on plant growth. The pyrolysis process resulted in biochar with high alkalinity (7.2-11.1), ash content ranging from 56.9% to 87.3%, and significant phosphorus retention, with phosphorus concentrations increasing with pyrolysis temperature (5.35%-9.38%). Phosphorus fractionation showed a shift toward more stable fractions particularly at 500 °C. Soil incubation experiments indicated increased phosphorus availability with HCl-extractable P showing a high extraction efficiency of up to 94.95%. In plant growth experiments, the amended biochar significantly enhanced growth, with corn showing an increase of up to 28.8% and wheat showing an increase of up to 86% compared to the control in the first four weeks after emergence. These findings indicate that phosphate-amended sewage sludge biochar enhances nutrient availability and supports plant growth, providing a sustainable solution for sewage sludge management, contributing to soil improvement and carbon sequestration, thereby addressing global environmental challenges.
- Klíčová slova
- Biochar production, Environmental remediation, Sewage sludge management, Soil amendment, Waste valorization,
- MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * chemie MeSH
- fosfáty * chemie analýza MeSH
- fosfor analýza chemie MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu analýza MeSH
- odpadní voda chemie MeSH
- odpadní vody * chemie MeSH
- půda * chemie MeSH
- pyrolýza MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biochar MeSH Prohlížeč
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * MeSH
- fosfáty * MeSH
- fosfor MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu MeSH
- odpadní voda MeSH
- odpadní vody * MeSH
- půda * MeSH
BACKGROUND: Plant growth and development can be greatly impacted by drought stress. Suitable plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) or biochar (BC) application has been shown to alleviate drought stress for plants. However, their co-application has not been extensively explored in this regard. METHODS: We isolated bacterial strains from rhizospheric soils of plants from arid soils and characterized them for plant growth promoting characteristics like IAA production and phosphate solubilization as well as for drought tolerance. Three bacterial strains or so called PGPRs, identified as Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus tropicus, and Bacillus paramycoides based on their 16S rRNA, were screened for further experiments. Wheat was grown on normal, where soil moisture was maintained at 75% of water holding capacity (WHC), and induced-drought (25% WHC) stressed soil in pots. PGPRs were applied alone or in combination with a biochar derived from pyrolysis of tree wood. RESULTS: Drought stress substantially inhibited wheat growth. However, biochar addition under stressed conditions significantly improved the wheat growth and productivity. Briefly, it increased straw yield by 25%, 100-grain weight by 15% and grain yield by 10% compared to the control. Moreover, co-application of biochar with PGPRs B. thuringiensis, B. tropicus and B. paramycoides further enhanced straw yield by 37-41%, 100-grain weight by 30-36%, and grain yield by 22-22.57%, respectively. The co-application also enhanced soil quality by increasing plant-available phosphorus by 4-31%, microbial biomass by 33-45%, and soil K+/Na+ ratio by 41-44%. CONCLUSION: Co-application of PGPRs and biochar alleviated plant drought stress by improving nutrient availability and absorption. Acting as a nutrient reservoir, biochar worked alongside PGPRs, who solubilized nutrients from the former and promoted wheat growth. We recommend that the co-application of suitable PGPRs and biochar is a better technology to produce wheat under drought conditions than using these enhancers separately.
- Klíčová slova
- Biochar, Drought, Grain yield, PGPR, Plant available phosphorus, Soil enzymatic activity,
- MeSH
- Bacillus fyziologie MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * farmakologie chemie MeSH
- období sucha * MeSH
- pšenice * růst a vývoj MeSH
- půda * chemie MeSH
- půdní mikrobiologie * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biochar MeSH Prohlížeč
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * MeSH
- půda * MeSH
