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Long XX, Yu ZN, Liu SW, Gao T, Qiu RL. A systematic review of biochar aging and the potential eco-environmental risk in heavy metal contaminated soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134345. [PMID: 38696956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Biochar is widely accepted as a green and effective amendment for remediating heavy metals (HMs) contaminated soil, but its long-term efficiency and safety changes with biochar aging in fields. Currently, some reviews have qualitatively summarized biochar aging methods and mechanisms, aging-induced changes in biochar properties, and often ignored the potential eco-environmental risk during biochar aging process. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes the study methods of biochar aging, quantitatively compares the effects of different biochar aging process on its properties, and discusses the potential eco-environmental risk due to biochar aging in HMs contaminated soil. At present, various artificial aging methods (physical aging, chemical aging and biological aging) rather than natural field aging have been applied to study the changes of biochar's properties. Generally, biochar aging increases specific surface area (SSA), pore volume (PV), surface oxygen-containing functional group (OFGs) and O content, while decreases pH, ash, H, C and N content. Chemical aging method has a greater effect on the properties of biochar than other aging methods. In addition, biochar aging may lead to HMs remobilization and produce new types of pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) and colloidal/nano biochar particles, which consequently bring secondary eco-environmental risk. Finally, future research directions are suggested to establish a more accurate assessment method and model on biochar aging behavior and evaluate the environmental safety of aged biochar, in order to promote its wider application for remediating HMs contaminated soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xian Long
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Ze-Ning Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Shao-Wen Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Rong-Liang Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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2
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Ge M, Wang B, Chen B, Xie H, Sun H, Sun K, Feng Y. Hydrochar and Its Dissolved Organic Matter Aged in a 30-Month Rice-Wheat Rotation System: Do Primary Aging Factors Alter at Different Stages? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:3019-3030. [PMID: 38308619 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Hydrochar, recognized as a green and sustainable soil amendment, has garnered significant attention. However, information on the aging process in soil and the temporal variability of hydrochar remains limited. This study delves deeper into the interaction between hydrochar and soil, focusing on primary factors influencing hydrochar aging during a 30-month rice-wheat rotation system. The results showed that the initial aging of hydrochar (0-16 months) is accompanied by the development of specific surface area and leaching of hydrochar-derived dissolved organic matter (HDOM), resulting in a smaller particle size and reduced carbon content. The initial aging also features a mineral shield, while the later aging (16 to 30 months) involves surface oxidation. These processes collectively alter the surface charge, hydrophilicity, and composition of aged hydrochar. Furthermore, this study reveals a dynamic interaction between the HDOM and DOM derived from soil, plants, and microbes at different aging stages. Initially, there is a preference for decomposing labile carbon, whereas later stages involve the formation of components with higher aromaticity and molecular weight. These insights are crucial for understanding the soil aging effects on hydrochar and HDOM as well as evaluating the interfacial behavior of hydrochar as a sustainable soil amendment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Bingyu Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Bingfa Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in Downstream of Yangtze Plain, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Huifang Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Haijun Sun
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Ke Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yanfang Feng
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in Downstream of Yangtze Plain, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
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Arcas-Pilz V, Gabarrell X, Orsini F, Villalba G. Literature review on the potential of urban waste for the fertilization of urban agriculture: A closer look at the metropolitan area of Barcelona. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167193. [PMID: 37741375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Urban agriculture (UA) activities are increasing in popularity and importance due to greater food demands and reductions in agricultural land, also advocating for greater local food supply and security as well as the social and community cohesion perspective. This activity also has the potential to enhance the circularity of urban flows, repurposing nutrients from waste sources, increasing their self-sufficiency, reducing nutrient loss into the environment, and avoiding environmental cost of nutrient extraction and synthetization. The present work is aimed at defining recovery technologies outlined in the literature to obtain relevant nutrients such as N and P from waste sources in urban areas. Through literature research tools, the waste sources were defined, differentiating two main groups: (1) food, organic, biowaste and (2) wastewater. Up to 7 recovery strategies were identified for food, organic, and biowaste sources, while 11 strategies were defined for wastewater, mainly focusing on the recovery of N and P, which are applicable in UA in different forms. The potential of the recovered nutrients to cover existing and prospective UA sites was further assessed for the metropolitan area of Barcelona. Nutrient recovery from current composting and anaerobic digestion of urban sourced organic matter obtained each year in the area as well as the composting of wastewater sludge, struvite precipitation and ion exchange in wastewater effluent generated yearly in existing WWTPs were assessed. The results show that the requirements for the current and prospective UA in the area can be met 2.7 to 380.2 times for P and 1.7 to 117.5 times for N depending on the recovery strategy. While the present results are promising, current perceptions, legislation and the implementation and production costs compared to existing markets do not facilitate the application of nutrient recovery strategies, although a change is expected in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Arcas-Pilz
- Sostenipra Research Group (2021 SGR 00734), Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals ICTA-UAB (CEX2019-0940-M), Z Building, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Gabarrell
- Sostenipra Research Group (2021 SGR 00734), Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals ICTA-UAB (CEX2019-0940-M), Z Building, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Francesco Orsini
- DISTAL-Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gara Villalba
- Sostenipra Research Group (2021 SGR 00734), Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals ICTA-UAB (CEX2019-0940-M), Z Building, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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Sifton MA, Smith SM, Thomas SC. Biochar-biofertilizer combinations enhance growth and nutrient uptake in silver maple grown in an urban soil. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288291. [PMID: 37463169 PMCID: PMC10353828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Declining tree health status due to pollutant impacts and nutrient imbalance is widespread in urban forests; however, chemical fertilizer use is increasingly avoided to reduce eutrophication impacts. Biochar (pyrolyzed organic waste) has been advocated as an alternative soil amendment, but biochar alone generally reduces plant N availability. The combination of biochar and either organic forms of N or Plant Growth Promoting Microbes (PGPMs) as biofertilizers may address these challenges. We examined the effects of two wood biochar types with Bacillus velezensis and an inactivated yeast (IY) biofertilizer in a three-month factorial greenhouse experiment with Acer saccharinum L. (silver maple) saplings grown in a representative urban soil. All treatments combining biochars with biofertilizers significantly increased sapling growth, with up to a 91% increase in biomass relative to controls. Growth and physiological responses were closely related to nutrient uptake patterns, with nutrient vector analyses indicating that combined biochar and biofertilizer treatments effectively addressed nutrient limitations of both macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca), and micronutrients (B, Fe, Mn, Mo, Na, S, and Zn). Biochar-biofertilizer treatments also reduced foliar concentrations of Cu, suggesting potential to mitigate toxic metal impacts common in urban forestry. We conclude that selected combinations of biochar and biofertilizers have substantial promise to address common soil limitations to tree performance in urban settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Sifton
- Institute of Forestry and Conservation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandy M Smith
- Institute of Forestry and Conservation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sean C Thomas
- Institute of Forestry and Conservation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Palansooriya KN, Dissanayake PD, Igalavithana AD, Tang R, Cai Y, Chang SX. Converting food waste into soil amendments for improving soil sustainability and crop productivity: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163311. [PMID: 37044338 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
One-third of the annual food produced globally is wasted and much of the food waste (FW) is unutilized; however, FW can be valorized into value-added industrial products such as biofuel, chemicals, and biomaterials. Converting FW into soil amendments such as compost, vermicompost, anaerobic digestate, biofertilizer, biochar, and engineered biochar is one of the best nutrient recovery and FW reuse approaches. The soil application of FW-based amendments can improve soil fertility, increase crop production, and reduce contaminants by altering soil's chemical, physical, microbial, and faunal properties. However, the efficiency of the amendment for improving ecosystem sustainability depends on the type of FW, conversion method, application rate, soil type, and crop type. Engineered biochar/biochar composite materials produced using FW have been identified as promising amendments for soil remediation, reducing commercial fertilizer usage, and increasing soil nutrient use efficiency. The development of quality standards and implementation of policies and regulations at all stages of the food supply chain are necessary to manage (reduce and re-use) FW.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ronggui Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Yanjiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Scott X Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E3, Canada.
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Wang J, Liu J, Chang L, Pan Y, Zhai L, Shen Z, Shi L, Chen Y. The characteristic difference between non-drilosphere and drilosphere-aged biochar: Revealing that earthworms accelerate the aging of biochar. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 321:138141. [PMID: 36804251 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Numerous researches have been conducted on the effects of biotic and abiotic-induced aging on the physicochemical characteristics and functions of biochar; however, the impacts of earthworm-induced aging on biochar have not been reported. Hence, we conducted a microscopic experiment simulating a 'drilosphere' to explore the influence of earthworm activity on the natural aging of rice husk biochar (RHBC) through the difference in biochar characteristics after aging in drilosphere and non-drilosphere. The earthworm activity increases the available nitrogen (AN) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) contents of aged RHBC and changes its composition. The increase of DOM and AN content may recruit more microorganisms to colonize biochar and accelerate the biological oxidation of biochar. Furthermore, earthworm activity significantly increased the contents of oxygen (O) and O-containing functional groups in the aged RHBC and decreased the stability (aromaticity) of the aged RHBC, suggesting that the earthworm activity accelerates the natural aging of biochar. Earthworm feeding promotes physical damage to biochar. Besides, the earthworm activity decreased the pH, hydrophilicity and specific surface area (SSA) of aged RHBC but enhanced the adsorption capacity of aged RHBC for heavy metals. The higher content of O-containing functional groups on the surface of drilosphere-aged RHBC was the main reason for its higher adsorption performance. Earthworm feeding promotes physical damage to biochar. These results indicate that earthworm activity can accelerate the natural aging of biochar and alter its physicochemical characteristics and functions. This study illustrates how biochar characteristics change in earthworm-soil systems, which will help scientifically evaluate the long-term effectiveness of biochar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiaqiang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Luo Chang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yuting Pan
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Lulu Zhai
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zhenguo Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; National Joint Local Engineering Research Center for Rural Land Resources Use and Consolidation, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Liang Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; National Joint Local Engineering Research Center for Rural Land Resources Use and Consolidation, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yahua Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; National Joint Local Engineering Research Center for Rural Land Resources Use and Consolidation, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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7
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Gu S, Lian F, Han Y, Wang Z, Xing B. Effect of root exudates on the release, surface property, colloidal stability, and phytotoxicity of dissolved black carbon. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 239:113687. [PMID: 35643031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the release of dissolved black carbon (DBC) from bulk-BC, its surface properties, colloidal stability, and oxidative stress to rice seedlings in the presence and absence of rice root exudates were compared. The bulk-BCs were prepared at 550 °C and derived from wood chips and pig manure, respectively. The release of DBC from bulk-BC was significantly enhanced (20.19-23.63%) by the introduction of root exudates, where low molecular weight organic acids played a dominating role in the dissociation of DBC from carbon skeleton. The surface properties of DBC were greatly modified by root exudates including decreases in the surface area (18.13%) and mineral contents (43.90-69.57%). The O-containing groups and graphitization were also enhanced by 11.46% and 18.65%, respectively. Meanwhile, the presence of root exudates not only reduced the colloidal stability of DBC but also lowered the intensity of free radicals (19.44-22.22%) in DBC. Consequently, the oxidative stress of DBC to rice seedlings was significantly (p < 0.05) alleviated, evidenced by reduced antioxidative enzyme activities (5.67-29.25%) and soluble protein content (15.75-46.79%) in rice plants. These results indicate that the interaction between DBC and root exudates could remarkably modify the surface properties and reactivity of DBC, which has profound implications for understanding the behavior and functions of DBC in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiguo Gu
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Fei Lian
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Yaru Han
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
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Ottani F, Parenti M, Pedrazzi S, Moscatelli G, Allesina G. Impacts of gasification biochar and its particle size on the thermal behavior of organic waste co-composting process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 817:153022. [PMID: 35031371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This work investigates the effects of gasification biochar on the thermal behavior of organic municipal waste composting. Two different biochar granulometries were mixed in a 3% w/w share with the organic fraction of municipal waste and tested in nine (three per thesis and three as control) reactors of 1 m3 of volume, designed to simulate full-scale aerated static piles. The temperatures of each composter were monitored for 31 days of the active composting phase and used as key parameters for air flow tuning. After the active phase was completed, the air was turned off and the temperatures were monitored for an additional 31 days during compost maturation. Results show that biochar-aided composters run 4 °C hotter and are more stable in temperature compared to the control thesis. Experimental data were used as a basis for thermal energy modeling: the addition of fine biochar to composting material increased the thermal energy production by 0.5 MJ kg-1 compared to the control thesis; coarse biochar increased the thermal energy production by 0.4 MJ kg-1. The standard composting process, without biochar, produced 2.5 MJ kg-1. Results might serve as a starting point for further considerations in terms of composting time reduction, improvement of the final product and reduction of process related issues, such as undesired anaerobic decomposition, leachate production and temperature instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Ottani
- BEELAB (Bio Energy Efficiency Laboratory), Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Parenti
- BEELAB (Bio Energy Efficiency Laboratory), Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Simone Pedrazzi
- BEELAB (Bio Energy Efficiency Laboratory), Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy; INTERMECH, Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Moscatelli
- Centro Ricerche Produzioni Animali S.p.a. (C.R.P.A. S.p.a.), Viale Timavo 43/2, Reggio Emilia 42121, Italy
| | - Giulio Allesina
- BEELAB (Bio Energy Efficiency Laboratory), Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy; INTERMECH, Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy
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Wang H, Lu Y, Xu J, Liu X, Sheng L. Effects of additives on nitrogen transformation and greenhouse gases emission of co-composting for deer manure and corn straw. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:13000-13020. [PMID: 33097993 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11302-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Compost can realize the recycling of organic waste. However, it also emits NH3 and greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the environment, which leads to nitrogen loss and global warming. Adding additives to compost can alleviate the emission of NH3 and GHGs. The mechanism of nitrogen transformation and GHGs emission was studied with deer manure and corn straw as compost substrate, and biochar and zeolite as additives. The results showed that the addition of zeolite in compost is good for prolonging high-temperature composting time. The addition of zeolite reduced the transformation of NH3-N and the N2O emission. The addition of zeolite is beneficial to reduce nitrogen loss during composting. CH4 emission is an important factor affecting the global warming potential of composting, and it is necessary to improve ventilation conditions in order to alleviate anaerobic. This study is of great significance to reduce nitrogen loss and improve composting effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxi Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration/School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jingyue Street 2555, Changchun, 130017, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yue Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration/School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jingyue Street 2555, Changchun, 130017, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jianling Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration/School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jingyue Street 2555, Changchun, 130017, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Xuejun Liu
- The Education Department of Jilin Province, Renmin Street 1485, Changchun, 130051, Jilin Province, China
| | - Lianxi Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration/School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jingyue Street 2555, Changchun, 130017, Jilin Province, China
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Zhang Z, Hu M, Bian B, Yang Z, Yang W, Zhang L. Full-scale thermophilic aerobic co-composting of blue-green algae sludge with livestock faeces and straw. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 753:142079. [PMID: 32911176 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A high incidence of harmful algal bloom in eutrophic surface waters causes many environmental problems. Thermophilic aerobic composting enables effective treatment and disposal of algal sludge that remains after the dewatering of algae slurries, and provides a value-added organic fertiliser. Previous studies have either only dealt with the composting of a single waste component or were conducted at a lab-/pilot-scale; however, this work is a comprehensive assessment of full-scale mechanized thermophilic aerobic co-composting of algal sludge and other typical biomass-based wastes, including chicken faeces and rice straw, in a water-rich rural area in the Tai lake basin, China. With the optimised feedstock material mass ratio (6.0:1.8:1.0 for straw:algae:faeces; initial C/N ratio of 20; and initial moisture of 60 wt%), the co-composting process effectively achieved the reduction, harmlessness, and reuse of waste. The moisture content (28.36 wt% of wet weight), organic matter content (57.91 wt% of dried weight), total nutrient content (6.59 wt% for TN + TP + TK of dried weight), and heavy metal contents as well as the pH of the final product fully met the Chinese National Agricultural Organic Fertiliser Standard requirements. The reduction rates of microcystin and toxic volatile fatty acid contents were higher than 99.5%, and the seed germination index of the product was 114.5%. A notable economic benefit with a gross profit margin of 167-434% of the process was highlighted. Investigation of the associated mechanisms, including statistical analysis, spectral characterisation, micro-morphological observation, and microbial community analysis, revealed that a decreased particle sizes with a looser structure and an efficient humification effect, resulting from the work of several identified dominant microbial species, contributed to the high product quality. The current study provided a demonstration of the promising full-scale co-composting technology for comprehensive management of the environment in water-rich rural areas and the construction of a sustainable watershed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zepeng Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Environment, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Material Cycling and Pollution Control, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Min Hu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Environment, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Material Cycling and Pollution Control, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Bo Bian
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Environment, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Material Cycling and Pollution Control, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Zhen Yang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Environment, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Material Cycling and Pollution Control, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China.
| | - Weiben Yang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Environment, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Material Cycling and Pollution Control, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China.
| | - Limin Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Environment, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Material Cycling and Pollution Control, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
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11
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Wang L, O'Connor D, Rinklebe J, Ok YS, Tsang DCW, Shen Z, Hou D. Biochar Aging: Mechanisms, Physicochemical Changes, Assessment, And Implications for Field Applications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:14797-14814. [PMID: 33138356 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Biochar has triggered a black gold rush in environmental studies as a carbon-rich material with well-developed porous structure and tunable functionality. While much attention has been placed on its apparent ability to store carbon in the ground, immobilize soil pollutants, and improve soil fertility, its temporally evolving in situ performance in these roles must not be overlooked. After field application, various environmental factors, such as temperature variations, precipitation events and microbial activities, can lead to its fragmentation, dissolution, and oxidation, thus causing drastic changes to the physicochemical properties. Direct monitoring of biochar-amended soils can provide good evidence of its temporal evolution, but this requires long-term field trials. Various artificial aging methods, such as chemical oxidation, wet-dry cycling and mineral modification, have therefore been designed to mimic natural aging mechanisms. Here we evaluate the science of biochar aging, critically summarize aging-induced changes to biochar properties, and offer a state-of-the-art for artificial aging simulation approaches. In addition, the implications of biochar aging are also considered regarding its potential development and deployment as a soil amendment. We suggest that for improved simulation and prediction, artificial aging methods must shift from qualitative to quantitative approaches. Furthermore, artificial preaging may serve to synthesize engineered biochars for green and sustainable environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - David O'Connor
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, Wuppertal, 42285, Germany
- Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-Dong, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong China
| | - Zhengtao Shen
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Somerville PD, Farrell C, May PB, Livesley SJ. Biochar and compost equally improve urban soil physical and biological properties and tree growth, with no added benefit in combination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 706:135736. [PMID: 31791773 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Soil compaction can be a major impediment to tree growth as it damages soil physical and biological properties and reduces plant available water. This may result in trees that are more vulnerable to seasonal water stress. Improving soil physical and biological properties by increasing soil organic matter content may lead to improved tree establishment. Organic matter (OM), in the form of municipal green waste compost (MGWC) or biochar was incorporated into compacted urban soils at two sites. We established six soil treatments: 1) unamended, 2) tillage only, 3) tillage with MGWC (20% v/v), 4) tillage with biochar (10% v/v), 5) tillage with MGWC + biochar (10% & 5% v/v - low), and 6) tillage with MGWC + biochar (20% & 10% v/v - high) (one site only). The treatments were established to a depth of 0.5 m in 2 × 2 m plots. One Corymbia maculata sapling was planted into each plot. Bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, stem diameter growth and tree water status were measured during tree establishment. At the end of the 30-month experiment, development of water stable aggregates, the rate of microbiological decomposition of OM, and tree size (diameter at breast height; DBH, and canopy growth index) were measured. All OM amended treatments improved soil physical and biological properties. There were no significant differences among the OM treatments. At the end of the experiment, tree DBH and canopy growth index were greater in the OM treatments than tillage only and unamended. As such, we recommend using local and sustainable forms of OM to improve soils and assist tree establishment in challenging sites where soil water is limited, or evapotranspiration demand is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Somerville
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Victoria 3122, Australia.
| | - Claire Farrell
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Peter B May
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Stephen J Livesley
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Victoria 3122, Australia
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13
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Wang Y, Villamil MB, Davidson PC, Akdeniz N. A quantitative understanding of the role of co-composted biochar in plant growth using meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 685:741-752. [PMID: 31234136 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The combined use of biochar and compost as a soil amendment presents benefits to crops and nutrient cycling. Although there are literature reviews regarding biochar and biochar-compost mixtures, a quantitative literature review on the role of co-composted biochar (hereby called COMBI) in plant productivity is currently missing. The goal of this review paper is to find evidence-based measures of the effects of application rates, soil pH, plant types, biochar feedstock, and compost materials, on plant productivity. Plant productivity covers a variety of measurements but mostly refers to grain yield and above-ground biomass. Response ratio was selected as the effect size. Funnel plot showed that the studies were reasonably symmetrically distributed around the mean effect size. Results showed that application rates of <20 t/ha and >30 t/ha significantly increased plant productivity by 48.3 and 15.7%, respectively, while no significant yield increases were found for the application rates between 20 and 30 t/ha. When data was grouped based on the soil pH, the greatest increase in plant productivity was found to be at acidic soil pH values (pH 4-5), which was expected because the liming effect of biochar is often reported as one of the main mechanisms behind the increased crop yields. When different plant species were compared, cereal grasses grown with COMBI yielded significantly higher grain yields (39.7%). Rice husk biochar yielded the highest increase in productivity but this result was based on only one study. The second highest increase was obtained with wood-based biochars (29.4%) based on ten studies. The effect sizes found with our meta-analyses are based on 14 research works worldwide and represent the most updated information regarding the effects of COMBI on plant production. As more data on COMBI become available, data analyses can be updated to make more robust comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchuan Wang
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Maria B Villamil
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Paul C Davidson
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Neslihan Akdeniz
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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Effects of Wet Oxidation Process on Biochar Surface in Acid and Alkaline Soil Environments. MATERIALS 2018; 11:ma11122362. [PMID: 30477163 PMCID: PMC6317012 DOI: 10.3390/ma11122362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Biochar has been studied for remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils by many researchers. When in external conditions, biochar in soils ages, which can transform its structural properties and adsorption capacity. This study was conducted with two oxidation processes, HNO₃/H₂SO₄ and NaOH/H₂O₂, to simulate the effects of biochar in acid and alkaline soil conditions. The results show that the oxygen-containing functional groups increased in aged biochar, which led to improve the ratio of oxygen and carbon (O/C). Nitro functional groups were found in the acid-oxidation treated biochar. Destroyed ditches and scars were observed on the surface of aged biochar and resulted in growth in their specific surface area and porosity. Specific surface area increased by 21.1%, 164.9%, and 63.0% for reed-derived biochar treated with water washing, acid oxidation, and basic oxidation, respectively. Greater peaks in the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results were found in C⁻O and O⁻H on the surface of field-aged biochar. Meanwhile, mappings of energy-dispersive spectroscopy showed that biochar aged in soil was abundant in minerals such as silicon, iron, aluminum, and magnesium. In summary, biochar subjected to wet oxidation aging had an increased capacity to immobilize Cd compared to unaged biochar, and the adsorption capacity of oxidized biochar increased by 28.4% and 13.15% compared to unaged biochar due to improvements in porosity and an increase in functional groups.
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