Journal article
Biochar produced from biosolids using a single-mode microwave: Characterisation and its potential for phosphorus removal
Journal of Environmental Management, Vol.196, pp.119-126
2017
Abstract
The amount of biosolids increases every year, and social and environmental concerns are also rising due to heavy metals and pathogen contamination. Even though biosolids are considered as a waste material, they could be used as a precursor in several applications, especially in agriculture due to the presence of essential nutrients. Microwave assisted pyrolysis (MWAP) is a promising technology to safely manage biosolids, while producing value-added products, such as biochar, that can be used to improve soil fertility. This study examined the impact of pyrolysis temperature between 300 °C and 800 °C on the chemical and physical properties of biochar obtained from biosolids via MWAP. Preliminary phosphorus adsorption tests were carried out with the biochar produced from biosolids. This research demonstrated that pyrolysis temperature affects biochar specific surface area, ash and volatiles content, but does not impact heavily on the pH, chemical composition and crystalline phases of the resultant biochar. Biochar yield decreases as the pyrolysis temperature increases. Phosphorus adsorption capacity of biochar was approximately around 15 mg/g of biochar. Biochar resulting from MWAP is a potential candidate for land application with an important role in water and nutrient retention, due to the high surface area.
Details
- Title
- Biochar produced from biosolids using a single-mode microwave: Characterisation and its potential for phosphorus removal
- Authors/Creators
- E. Antunes (Author/Creator)J. Schumann (Author/Creator)G. Brodie (Author/Creator)M.V. Jacob (Author/Creator)P.A. Schneider (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Journal of Environmental Management, Vol.196, pp.119-126
- Publisher
- Academic Press
- Identifiers
- 991005540728507891
- Copyright
- © 2017 Elsevier Ltd.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Engineering and Information Technology
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Metrics
39 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.45 Soil Science
- 3.45.1903 Biochar
- Web Of Science research areas
- Environmental Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Environment/Ecology