Effect of Banana-Waste Biochar and Compost Mixtures on Growth Responses and Physiological Traits of Seashore Paspalum Subjected to Six Different Water Conditions

Biochar Derived from Palm Waste Supported Greenly Synthesized MnO2 Nanoparticles as a Novel Adsorbent for Wastewater Treatment

Water pollution with dye effluents from different industries is a broadly established environmental and health problem that needs serious attention. In this study, making use of Acacia nilotica seed extract, greenly synthesized MnO2 nanoparticles were loaded on the surface of biochar derived from palm waste (MnO2/PF), with specific surface areas of 70.97 m2/g. Batch experiments were adopted, aiming to evaluate the performance of palm fronds, biochar, and the MnO2/PF adsorbents in methyl orange (MO) removal from an aqueous solution. The feedstock and synthesized biochars were comprehensively characterized using XRD, SEM-EDX, FTIR, and BET surface area techniques. Moreover, the influences of the modification of palm fronds, initial dye concentrations, pH, and adsorbent dosage on MO uptake were examined. The results demonstrated that MnO2/PF biochar nanocomposite led to an increase in the removal efficiency by 6 and 1.5 times more than those of palm fronds and biochar, respectively. In addition, it was found that the second-order kinetic model presented the kinetic adsorption very well. This paper demonstrates that the depositing of greenly synthesized MnO2 nanoparticles on the date palm waste biochar forms a novel adsorbent (MnO2/PF) for the removal of MO from aqueous solutions. Furthermore, this adsorbent was easy to synthesize under moderate conditions without the need for chemical capping agents, and would thus be cost-effective and eco-friendly.

Seasonal Paspalum vaginatum Physiological Characteristics Change with Agricultural Byproduct Biochar in Sandy Potting Soil

A plastic pot open-air trial was conducted with the Paspalum vaginatum (seashore paspalum) using different rates of biochar or compost addition to sandy loam soil and two water treatments (60% and 20% of the water-holding capacity of the control) during three seasons (winter, spring, and summer). Paspalum growth, physiological characteristics, and physicochemical properties of soil were investigated. The effect of biochar on soil properties was assessed using factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD). Additionally, multiple factorial designs (MFA) were used to examine the impact of three biochars on physiological functions. Peanut hull biochar application increased soil fertility and chlorophyll concentration of paspalum leaves significantly compared to the other biochars. Physiological characteristics were significantly improved with peanut hull biochar under summer compared to winter and spring due to the accumulation of nutrients in the soil by the decomposition of biochar. The application rate of the three biochars reduced the water requirements of paspalum. The best result was obtained by incorporating 6% peanut hull biochar into the soil, which resulted in better soil quality and healthy grass in dryland conditions while using 47.5% less water. These findings can be suitable for golf managers and can serve as a solution for dry zones.