Potential of Biochar Derived from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Management

Sasiwimol Khawkomol, Rattikan Neamchan, Thunchanok Thongsamer, Soydoa Vinitnantharat, Boonma Panpradit, Prapa Sohsalam, David Werner and Wojciech Mrozik
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Sasiwimol Khawkomol: Energy and Environmental Engineering Center, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
Rattikan Neamchan: Environmental and Energy Management for Community and Circular Economy (EEC&C) Research Group, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
Thunchanok Thongsamer: Environmental Technology Program, School of Energy, Environment and Materials, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
Soydoa Vinitnantharat: Environmental and Energy Management for Community and Circular Economy (EEC&C) Research Group, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
Boonma Panpradit: Energy and Environmental Engineering Center, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
Prapa Sohsalam: Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
David Werner: School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Wojciech Mrozik: School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 15, 1-14

Abstract: A horizontal drum kiln is a traditional method widely used in Southeast Asian countries for producing biochar. An understanding of temperature conditions in the kiln and its influence on biochar properties is crucial for identifying suitable biochar applications. In this study, four agricultural residues (corncob, coconut husk, coconut shell, and rice straw) were used for drum kiln biochar production. The agricultural residues were turned into biochar within 100–200 min, depending on their structures. The suitability of biochar for briquette fuels was analyzed using proximate, ultimate, and elemental analysis. The biochar’s physical and chemical properties were characterized via bulk density, iodine number, pH p zc , SEM, and FTIR measurements. All biochars had low O/C and H/C ratios and negative charge from both carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. Coconut husk and shell biochar had desirable properties such as high heating value and a high amount of surface functional groups which can interact with nutrients in soil. These biochars are thus suitable for use for a variety of purposes including as biofuels, adsorbents, and as soil amendments.

Keywords: agricultural residues; biochar; biochar characterization; biochar application (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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