This work was funded by the Government of Canada&#8217;s Federal Economic Development Agency (FedDev) Applied Research and Commercialization Extension to Queen&#8217;s University (Dr. Allison Rutter and Dr. Darko Matovic). Sincerest thank you to Burt&#8217;s Greenhouses (Odessa, ON) for providing the biochars. Special thanks to Yuxing Cui of the CBRN Protection Group at RMC and staff of the ASU and Zeeb Lab for their ongoing support.

The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

All of the methods listed in the protocol have been carefully validated and extensively used for soils. As biochar characterization is still in its infancy, the effectiveness of these methods for the carbon-rich substrate was largely unknown. Hence, although these methods themselves are not novel, their application to routinely characterize biochar is. In terms of quality assurance/ quality control, there were no issues among any of the methods with respect to the blanks being below detection limits or the recoveries bei...

Biochar is a carbon-rich by-product produced during the pyrolysis of organic matter 1. Interest, both publicly and academically, in adding biochar to soils, stems from its ability to improve soil quality and plant growth 2, 3, sustainably sequester carbon 4, and sorb harmful contaminants 2, 3, 5-7 whilst simultaneously offering alternatives for waste management and energy production by pyrolysis.
Biochars are being produced by numerous companies and organizations worldwide via different pyrolysis systems. Materials used for biochar production include (but are not limited to) woodchips, animal manure and construction wastes1. These differences are expected to alter the biochars&#8217; physical and chemical properties and thus their ability to improve substrates, promote long-term stability and increase sorption capabilities. Additionally, during the pyrolysis process the biochar may become unintentionally contaminated with metals, PAHs and PCBs as a result of contaminated feedstocks or inappropriate pyrolysis conditions. Therefore, before biochar can be applied on a large scale to the environment as a soil amendment, careful characterization of the biochar for contaminants, specific surface area, cation exchange capacity, earthworm avoidance and germination and others suggested by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) must be conducted. In 2013, the first Standardized Product Definition and Product Testing Guidelines for Biochar, which sets standards for biochar physical and chemical characteristics, was published and made publically available.
Research has shown that biochar produced at a commercial greenhouse in Odessa, ON, Canada has the ability to significantly improve plant growth in intensely degraded soils and sorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as PCBs 2, 3. This biochar has been produced from three different feedstocks (i.e. organic matter sources) via a boiler system where the heat generated is used to warm their greenhouse operation during winter months.
This study provides characterization data pertinent to the production of biochar in a biomass boiler, and the use of biochar as a soil amendment. The objective of this study is to thoroughly characterize the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of six biochars according to standards set by the IBI in their Standardized Product Definition and Product Testing Guidelines (Version 1.1) (2013). These characteristics will be linked, where possible, to the performance of each biochar as agricultural amendments and their ability to sorb contaminants.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Biochar</td><td>Burt&#039;s Greenhouses</td><td></td><td>All six biochars were produced at Burt&#039;s Greenhouses via BlueFlame Boiler system</td></tr><tr><td>NaOAc</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>E124-4</td><td>Dissolving 136.08 g of NaOAC&lt;sup&gt;.&lt;/sup&gt;3H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O in 750 ml distilled, deionized water (DDI water)</td></tr><tr><td>Acetic Acid</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>A38-212</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sodium Hydroxide</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>SS284-1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Isopropanol</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>A416P4</td><td>80% IPA: 800 ml IPA with 200 ml DDI water.</td></tr><tr><td>NH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;Cl</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>A649500</td><td>Dissolving 5.35 g NH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;Cl into 1 L DDI water.&amp;nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Alumminum Drying Pan</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>08-732-110</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Drying Oven</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>508N0024</td><td>200 &amp;deg;C for 2 hr.</td></tr><tr><td>Desiccator</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>08-595A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance</td><td>Mettler</td><td>1113032410</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Saturating Solution</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>06-664-25</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Vortex</td><td>Barnstead/Thermolyne</td><td>871000536389&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Centrifuge</td><td>International Equipment Company</td><td>24372808</td><td>3,000 x g for 5 min.</td></tr><tr><td>Rinsing Solution</td><td>Fisher Scientific (Ricca Chemistry Company)</td><td>06-664-24</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Conductivity Meter</td><td>WESCAN</td><td>88298</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Replacing Solution</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>06-664-24</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>ICP-AES</td><td>Varian</td><td>EL00053841</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>ASAP 2000 Surface Area Analyser&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Cavlon</td><td>885</td><td>Degassing at 120 &amp;deg;C for a minimum of 2 hr.</td></tr><tr><td>Muffle Furnace</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>806N0024</td><td>Heat for 16 hr covering at 420 &amp;deg;C.</td></tr><tr><td>pH Meter</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>1230185263</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sieve</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>2288926</td><td>4.7 mm sieve being at the top.</td></tr><tr><td>Sieve Skaker</td><td>Meinzer II</td><td>0414-02</td><td>Shake for 10 min.</td></tr><tr><td>Sodium Sulphate</td><td>VWR</td><td>EM-SX0761-5</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ottawa Sand</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>S23-3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Soxhlet Apparatus</td><td>Fisher Scientific (Pyrex)</td><td>09-557A</td><td>4&amp;nbsp;hr at 4&amp;ndash;6&amp;nbsp;cycles/hr.</td></tr><tr><td>DCBP</td><td>Suprlco Analytical</td><td>48318&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dichloromethane</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>40042-40855-U</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6890 Plus Gas Chromatograph Micro 63 Ni ECD</td><td>Agilent</td><td>US00034778</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Helium</td><td>AlphaGaz</td><td>SPG-NIT1AL50SMART</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Nitrogen</td><td>AlphaGaz</td><td>SPG-HEL1AL50SMART</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mortor and Pestle</td><td>Fisher Scientific (CoorsTeh)</td><td>12-948G</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Nitric Acid</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>351288212</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>No. 40 Filter Paper</td><td>Fisher Scientific (Whatman)</td><td>09-845A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Quartz/Nickel weigh boats</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>11-474-210</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>DMA-80</td><td>ATS Scientific</td><td>5090264</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>98&amp;#8211;99% Formic Acid</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>33015-1L</td><td>1 L volumetric filled to 750 ml with DDI water add 20 ml formic acid and fill to volume with DDI water.</td></tr><tr><td>Sonicator</td><td>Fisher Sientific</td><td>15338284</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Rotating Shaker</td><td>New Brunswick Scientific (Innova 2100)</td><td>14-278-108</td><td>1 hr at 200 rpm.</td></tr><tr><td>No. 42 Filter Paper</td><td>Fisher Scientific (Whatman)</td><td>09-855A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>WhirlPacks</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>R55048</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Potassium Dihydrogen Orthophospahte</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>181525</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2 M KCl</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>P282100</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Plastic Vials</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>03-337-20</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ammonium Chloride</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>PX05115</td><td>Allow to warm up to room temperature</td></tr><tr><td>Colour Reagent</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>361028260</td><td>Allow to warm up to room temperature</td></tr><tr><td>Colorimeter</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>13-642-400</td><td>Turn on to let the lamp warm up and run for 5 min.</td></tr><tr><td>ASEAL Auto Analyzer 2</td><td>SEAL</td><td>4723A12068</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Liquified Phenol</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>MPX05115</td><td>Alkaline Phenol: Measure 87 ml of liquefied phenol into 1-L volumetric filled 2/3 with DDI water. Add 34 g NaOH, make up to volume with DDI water.</td></tr><tr><td>NaOH</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>S318-3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Commercial Bleach</td><td>Retail Store</td><td></td><td>Hypochlorite Solution: Using 100-ml graduated cylinder measure 31.5 ml of commercial bleach and fill to 100 ml with DDI water.</td></tr><tr><td>NaOH Pellets</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>S320-1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Disodium EDTA</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>E5124</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sodium Hyprchlorite</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>SS290-1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Triton (10%)</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>BP151-100</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sodium Nitroprusside</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>S350-100</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ammonium Salts</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>A637-10</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Phenoxide</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>AC388611000</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Eisenia Fetida</td><td>The Worm Factory</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Spade</td><td>Retail Store</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bucket</td><td>Retail Store</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Potting Soil</td><td>Retail Store</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Avoidance Wheel</td><td>Environment Canada</td><td></td><td>Constructed by a modified design from Environment Canada&amp;rsquo;s Acute Avoidance Test.</td></tr><tr><td>Alumminum Foil</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>01-213-100</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Petri Dishes</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>08-757-11</td><td>8.5 cm in diameter.</td></tr><tr><td>Pumpkin Seeds</td><td>Ontario Seed Company (OSC)</td><td>2055</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Alfalpha Seeds</td><td>Ontario Seed Company (OSC)</td><td>6675</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Centrifuge Tubes (30 ml)</td><td>Fisher Scientific&amp;nbsp;</td><td>22-038-906</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Beakers (50&amp;nbsp;ml)</td><td>Fisher Scientific (Pyrex)</td><td>02-540G</td><td>Oven dry at 105 &amp;#176;C.</td></tr><tr><td>Beakers (30&amp;nbsp;ml)</td><td>Fisher Scientific (Pyrex)</td><td>20-540C</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Erlenmeyer Flasks (125&amp;nbsp;ml)</td><td>Fisher Scientific (Pyrex)</td><td>S76106C</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Volumetric Flask (100&amp;nbsp;ml)</td><td>Fisher Scientific (Pyrex)</td><td>10-211C</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Estuarine Sediment</td><td>National Insititute of Standards</td><td>1546A</td><td>Standard Reference Material</td></tr><tr><td>Bleach</td><td>Clorox Ultra (5&amp;#8211;10% sodium hypochlorite)</td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

physical, chemical and biological characterization of six biochars produced for the remediation of contaminated sites

The physical and chemical properties of biochar vary based on feedstock sources and production conditions, making it possible to engineer biochars with specific functions (e.g. carbon sequestration, soil quality improvements, or contaminant sorption). In 2013, the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) made publically available their Standardized Product Definition and Product Testing Guidelines (Version 1.1) which set standards for physical and chemical characteristics for biochar. Six biochars made from three different feedstocks and at two temperatures were analyzed for characteristics related to their use as a soil amendment. The protocol describes analyses of the feedstocks and biochars and includes: cation exchange capacity (CEC), specific surface area (SSA), organic carbon (OC) and moisture percentage, pH, particle size distribution, and proximate and ultimate analysis. Also described in the protocol are the analyses of the feedstocks and biochars for contaminants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), metals and mercury as well as nutrients (phosphorous, nitrite and nitrate and ammonium as nitrogen). The protocol also includes the biological testing procedures, earthworm avoidance and germination assays. Based on the quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) results of blanks, duplicates, standards and reference materials, all methods were determined adequate for use with biochar and feedstock materials. All biochars and feedstocks were well within the criterion set by the IBI and there were little differences among biochars, except in the case of the biochar produced from construction waste materials. This biochar (referred to as Old biochar) was determined to have elevated levels of arsenic, chromium, copper, and lead, and failed the earthworm avoidance and germination assays. Based on these results, Old biochar would not be appropriate for use as a soil amendment for carbon sequestration, substrate quality improvements or remediation.

A summary of all results including a comparison to the criteria set by the IBI 13 can be found in Tables 1 (summary), 2 (New, High, Low, Third Feedstock and High-2 biochars) and 3 (Old biochar). All biochars and feedstocks used in 2012 and 2013 (Table 2) were well within the criterion set by the IBI and there were little differences among biochars. Old biochar (Table 3), the first biochar submitted for testing, was made from u...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites at JoVE.com

Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites

Biochar is a carbon-rich material used as a soil amendment with the ability to sustainably sequester carbon, improve substrate quality and sorb contaminants. This protocol describes the 17 analytical methods used for the characterization of biochar, which is required prior to large scale implementation of these amendments in the environment.

The physical and chemical properties of biochar vary based on feedstock sources and production conditions, making it possible to engineer biochars with ...

physical-chemical-biological-characterization-six-biochars-produced

Research

JoVE Journal

Environment

35.0K Views.  Royal Military College of Canada.  Biochar is een koolstofrijke materiaal als grondverbeteraar met de mogelijkheid om duurzaam waarin koolstof, verbeteren substraat kwaliteit en Sorb verontreinigingen. Dit protocol beschrijft de 17 analysemethoden worden gebruikt voor de karakterisering van biochar, die voorafgaand aan de grootschalige implementatie van deze wijzigingen in de omgeving is vereist. 

Video: Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites

Single-plant, Sterile Microcosms for Nodulation and Growth of the Legume Plant Medicago truncatula with the Rhizobial Symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti

Rhizobial bacteria form symbiotic, nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots of compatible host legume plants. One of the most well-developed model systems for studying these interactions is the plant Medicago truncatula cv. Jemalong A17 and the rhizobial bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021. Repeated imaging of plant roots and scoring of symbiotic phenotypes requires methods that are non-destructive to either plants or bacteria. The symbiotic phenotypes of some plant and bacterial mutants become apparent after relatively short periods of growth, and do not require long-term observation of the host/symbiont interaction. However, subtle differences in symbiotic efficiency and nodule senescence phenotypes that are not apparent in the early stages of the nodulation process require relatively long growth periods before they can be scored. Several methods have been developed for long-term growth and observation of this host/symbiont pair. However, many of these methods require repeated watering, which increases the possibility of contamination by other microbes. Other methods require a relatively large space for growth of large numbers of plants. The method described here, symbiotic growth of M. truncatula/S. meliloti in sterile, single-plant microcosms, has several advantages. Plants in these microcosms have sufficient moisture and nutrients to ensure that watering is not required for up to 9 weeks, preventing cross-contamination during watering. This allows phenotypes to be quantified that might be missed in short-term growth systems, such as subtle delays in nodule development and early nodule senescence. Also, the roots and nodules in the microcosm are easily viewed through the plate lid, so up-rooting of the plants for observation is not required.

Single-plant, Sterile Microcosms for Nodulation and Growth of the Legume Plant Medicago truncatula with the Rhizobial Symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti

Growth of Medicago truncatula plants in symbiosis with the nitrogen-fixing bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti in individual, sterile microcosms made from standard laboratory plates permits frequent examination of root systems and nodules without compromising sterility. Plants can be maintained in these growth chambers for up to 9 weeks.

Rhizobial  bacteria form symbiotic, nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots of compatible host  legume plants.  One  of the most well-developed model systems ...

Evaluation of Integrated Anaerobic Digestion and Hydrothermal Carbonization for Bioenergy Production

Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most abundant yet underutilized renewable energy resources. Both anaerobic digestion (AD) and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) are promising technologies for bioenergy production from biomass in terms of biogas and HTC biochar, respectively. In this study, the combination of AD and HTC is proposed to increase overall bioenergy production. Wheat straw was anaerobically digested in a novel upflow anaerobic solid state reactor (UASS) in both mesophilic (37 &#176;C) and thermophilic (55 &#176;C) conditions. Wet digested from thermophilic AD was hydrothermally carbonized at 230 &#176;C for 6 hr for HTC biochar production. At thermophilic temperature, the UASS system yields an average of 165 LCH4/kgVS&#160;(VS: volatile solids) and 121 L CH4/kgVS&#160;at mesophilic AD over the continuous operation of 200 days. Meanwhile, 43.4 g of HTC biochar with 29.6 MJ/kgdry_biochar was obtained from HTC of 1 kg digestate (dry basis) from mesophilic AD. The combination of AD and HTC, in this particular set of experiment yield 13.2 MJ of energy per 1 kg of dry wheat straw, which is at least 20% higher than HTC alone and 60.2% higher than AD only.

A novel Upflow Anaerobic Solid State (UASS) reactor was used for biogas production from fibrous feedstock. Digestate from UASS reactor was hydrothermally carbonized into HTC biochar in a pressurized batch reactor. The integration of the two bioenergy concepts was applied in this study to increase overall bioenergy production.

Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most abundant yet underutilized renewable energy resources. Both anaerobic digestion (AD) and hydrothermal ...

Physical Isolation of Endospores from Environmental Samples by Targeted Lysis of Vegetative Cells

Endospore formation is a survival strategy found among some bacteria from the phylum Firmicutes. During endospore formation, these bacteria enter a morpho-physiological resting state that enhances survival under adverse environmental conditions. Even though endospore-forming Firmicutes are one of the most frequently enriched and isolated bacterial groups in culturing studies, they are often absent from diversity studies based on molecular methods. The resistance of the spore core is considered one of the factors limiting the recovery of DNA from endospores. We developed a method that takes advantage of the higher resistance of endospores to separate them from other cells in a complex microbial community using physical, enzymatic and chemical lysis methods. The endospore-only preparation thus obtained can be used for re-culturing or to perform downstream analysis such as tailored DNA extraction optimized for endospores and subsequent DNA sequencing. This method, applied to sediment samples, has allowed the enrichment of endospores and after sequencing, has revealed a large diversity of endospore-formers in freshwater lake sediments. We expect that the application of this method to other samples will yield a similar outcome.

A method to single out bacterial endospores from complex microbial communities was developed to perform tailored culture or molecular studies of this group of bacteria.

Endospore formation is a survival strategy found among some bacteria from the phylum Firmicutes. During endospore formation, these bacteria enter a ...

Characterization and Application of Passive Samplers for Monitoring of Pesticides in Water

Five different water passive samplers were calibrated under laboratory conditions for measurement of 124 legacy and current used pesticides. This study provides a protocol for the passive sampler preparation, calibration, extraction method and instrumental analysis. Sampling rates (RS) and passive sampler-water partition coefficients (KPW) were calculated for silicone rubber, polar organic chemical integrative sampler POCIS-A, POCIS-B, SDB-RPS and C18 disk. The uptake of the selected compounds depended on their physicochemical properties, i.e., silicone rubber showed a better uptake for more hydrophobic compounds (log octanol-water partition coefficient (KOW) &#62; 5.3), whereas POCIS-A, POCIS-B and SDB-RPS disk were more suitable for hydrophilic compounds (log KOW &#60; 0.70).

A protocol about the characterization and application of five different passive sampling devices is presented.

Five different water passive samplers were calibrated under laboratory conditions for measurement of 124 legacy and current used pesticides. This study ...

A Bending Test for Determining the Atterberg Plastic Limit in Soils

The thread rolling test is the most commonly used method to determine the plastic limit (PL) in soils. It has been widely criticized, because a considerable subjective judgment from the operator that carries out the test is involved during its performance, which may affect the final result significantly. Different alternative methods have been put forward, but they cannot compete with the standard rolling test in speed, simplicity and cost.
In an earlier study by the authors, a simple method with a simple device to determine the PL was presented (the &#34;thread bending test&#34; or simply &#34;bending test&#34;); this method allowed the PL to be obtained with minimal operator interference. In the present paper a version of the original bending test is shown. The experimental basis is the same as the original bending test: soil threads which are 3 mm in diameter and 52 mm long are bent until they start to crack, so that both the bending produced and its related moisture content are determined. However, this new version enables the calculation of PL from an equation, so it is not necessary to plot any curve or straight line to obtain this parameter and, in fact, the PL can be achieved with only one experimental point (but two experimental points are recommended).
The PL results obtained with this new version are very similar to those obtained through the original bending test and the standard rolling test by a highly experienced operator. Only in particular cases of high plasticity cohesive soils, there is a greater difference in the result. Despite this, the bending test works very well for all types of soil, both cohesive and very low plasticity soils, where the latter are the most difficult to test via the standard thread rolling method.

The traditional standardized test for determining the plastic limit in soils is performed by hand, and the result varies depending on the operator. An alternative method based on bending measurements is presented in this study. This allows the plastic limit to be obtained with a clear and objective criterion.

The thread rolling test is the most commonly used method to determine the plastic limit (PL) in soils. It has been widely criticized, because a ...

Characterization, Quantification and Compound-specific Isotopic Analysis of Pyrogenic Carbon Using Benzene Polycarboxylic Acids (BPCA)

Fire-derived, pyrogenic carbon (PyC), sometimes called black carbon (BC), is the carbonaceous solid residue of biomass and fossil fuel combustion, such as char and soot. PyC is ubiquitous in the environment due to its long persistence, and its abundance might even increase with the projected increase in global wildfire activity and the continued burning of fossil fuel. PyC is also increasingly produced from the industrial pyrolysis of organic wastes, which yields charred soil amendments (biochar). Moreover, the emergence of nanotechnology may also result in the release of PyC-like compounds to the environment. It is thus a high priority to reliably detect, characterize and quantify these charred materials in order to investigate their environmental properties and to understand their role in the carbon cycle.
Here, we present the benzene polycarboxylic acid (BPCA) method, which allows the simultaneous assessment of PyC&#39;s characteristics, quantity and isotopic composition (13C and 14C) on a molecular level. The method is applicable to a very wide range of environmental sample materials and detects PyC over a broad range of the combustion continuum, i.e., it is sensitive to slightly charred biomass as well as high temperature chars and soot. The BPCA protocol presented here is simple to employ, highly reproducible, as well as easily extendable and modifiable to specific requirements. It thus provides a versatile tool for the investigation of PyC in various disciplines, ranging from archeology and environmental forensics to biochar and carbon cycling research.

Characterization, Quantification and Compound-specific Isotopic Analysis of Pyrogenic Carbon Using Benzene Polycarboxylic Acids BPCA

We present the benzene polycarboxylic acid (BPCA) method for assessing pyrogenic carbon (PyC) in the environment. The compound-specific approach uniquely provides simultaneous information about the characteristics, quantity and isotopic composition (13C and 14C) of PyC.

Fire-derived, pyrogenic carbon (PyC), sometimes called black carbon (BC), is the carbonaceous solid residue of biomass and fossil fuel combustion, such as ...

Chemistry

Operating a Large Biochar Kiln and Implementing Best Practices

Big Box Biochar Kiln Operation and Best Practices

Big Box biochar kilns are an alternative to open pile burning that allows for in-woods biochar production in a simple metal box with no moving parts. This approach is based on technology used by charcoal makers for centuries but with a modern, mechanized approach. A mini-excavator or other piece of machinery is used to load, tend, and empty the kilns. This article will outline Big Box biochar kiln best practices, including the design, transportation, placement, loading, lighting, quenching, and dumping procedures for beginners developing their own Big Box biochar kiln programs. 
Biochar production requires a low oxygen burning environment, and the Big Box kilns use a flame-cap (sometimes referred to as a flame-curtain) method to burn material with limited smoke production. These kilns have been designed to be easily transferred to the site using an adequately rated trailer. A mini-excavator or other piece of machinery is used to load, tend, and empty the kilns. The author is not aware of a more accessible means for people to sequester durable carbon on the farm, ranch, or in the backyard. This article outlines Big Box biochar kiln best practices, including the design, transportation, placement, loading, lighting, quenching, and dumping procedures for beginners developing their own Big Box biochar kiln programs.

Installation of the Big Box Biochar Kiln for Biochar Production

The Utah Biomass Resources Group (UBRG) has scaled-up simple biochar kilns in an innovative approach to hazardous fuel reduction and biochar production using metal boxes, called Big Box kilns, that allow for in-woods biochar production. This article outlines Big Box biochar kiln operation and best practices.

Big Box biochar kilns are an alternative to open pile burning that allows for in-woods biochar production in a simple metal box with no moving parts. This ...

Carbon Sequestration and Soil Enhancement Through Onsite Biochar Production

Producing, Characterizing and Quantifying Biochar in the Woods Using Portable Flame Cap Kilns

One of the biggest challenges in utilizing non-commercial forest biomass is its widely distributed nature. The best solution to the biomass problem, to avoid expensive and carbon-intensive processing (chipping) and transportation costs, is to process it onsite. However, conventional burn piles have destructive impacts on forest soil and provide no benefits other than fuel reduction. Converting forest slash to biochar onsite has many ecological advantages over the current practice of slash disposal by incineration in burn piles, including reduced soil heating and particulate emissions, along with multiple benefits of the biochar to forest soil health and water holding capacity when left in place. Making biochar onsite in the woods is a way to return a pyrogenic carbon component to forest soils that has been missing due to the recent history of fire suppression. Biochar is also a leading method of carbon removal and sequestration for climate change mitigation. In this study, we document a method for making biochar using a portable biochar kiln. This low-cost method utilizes hand crews equipped with water for quenching kilns before the biochar burns to ash. Simple techniques for quantifying and characterizing the biochar produced are incorporated into the method for the purpose of measuring impact and qualifying for carbon removal certificates to help pay for the cost of the work. We describe the CM002 Component Methodology that provides standardized procedures for the quantification of GHG benefits during three stages of the process: waste biomass sourcing, biochar production, and biochar soil application. The CM002 Methodology is based on international best practices, including the most recent VCS methodology VM0044 Standards and EBC C-Sink Artisan Standards. Reliable quantification methods utilizing appropriate safety factors are the first essential step toward eligibility for carbon removal finance.

Author Spotlight: On-Site Biochar Production for Woody Debris Incineration in Forestry 

New methods for disposing of forestry slash piles in place produce pyrogenic carbon for restoring forest soil health and for carbon removal and sequestration. Here, we present a biochar production method integrating a new carbon removal accounting methodology and a digital application.

One of the biggest challenges in utilizing non-commercial forest biomass is its widely distributed nature. The best solution to the biomass problem, to ...

Air Curtain Burners and Biochar &#8211; Advancing Forest Health and Carbon Capture

Continuous In-woods Production of Biochar Using a Trailer-Mounted Air Curtain Burner

Fuel treatments and other forest restoration thinning practices aim to reduce wildfire risk while building forest resilience to drought, insects, and diseases and increasing aboveground carbon (C) sequestration. However, fuel treatments generate large amounts of unmerchantable woody biomass residues that are often burned in open piles, releasing significant quantities of greenhouse gases and particulates, and potentially damaging the soil beneath the pile. Air curtain burners offer a solution to mitigate these issues, helping to reduce smoke and particulates from burning operations, more fully burn biomass residues compared to pile burning, and eliminate the direct and intense fire contact that can harm soil beneath the slash pile. In an air curtain burner, burning takes place in a controlled environment. Smoke is contained and recirculated by the air curtain, and therefore burning can be conducted under a variety of climatic conditions (e.g.,&#160;wind, rain, snow), lengthening the burning season for disposal of slash material. The mobile pyrolysis unit that continuously creates biochar was specifically designed to dispose of residual woody biomass at log landings, green wood at landfills, or salvaged logged materials and create biochar in the process. This high-carbon biochar output can be used to enhance soil resilience by improving its chemical, physical, and biological properties and has potential applications in remediating contaminated soils, including those at abandoned mine sites. Here, we describe the general use of this equipment, appropriate siting, loading methods, quenching requirements, and lessons learned about operating this new technology.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Place-Based Biochar Production for Ecosystem Restoration and Soil Health

We describe the use of a place-based mobile pyrolysis unit equipped with an air curtain to continuously create biochar. The technology reduces the need for open slash pile burning, which results in lower emissions and fewer soil impacts. The protocol includes guidelines for site selection, loading, and quenching.

Fuel treatments and other forest restoration thinning practices aim to reduce wildfire risk while building forest resilience to drought, insects, and ...

Transformation of Organic Household Leftovers into a Peat Substitute

A two-step procedure is described for the synthesis of a carbon material with a similar composition and properties as peat. The produced hydrochar is made suitable for agricultural applications by removing plant growing inhibitory substances. Wet household waste such as fruit peel, coffee grounds, inedible vegetable parts, or wet lignocellulosic material in general, are treated in presence of water at 215 &#x00B0;C and 21 bar in an autoclave, i.e., by hydrothermal carbonization. All these leftovers have a considerable water content of up to 90 weight % (wt%). Adding water extends the procedure to drier materials such as nutshells or even garden prunings and compostable polymers, i.e., the plastic bag for collection of the leftovers.
Usually, the resulting carbon material, called hydrochar, produces a negative effect on plant growth when added to soil. It is supposed that this effect is caused by adsorbed phytotoxic compounds. A simple post-treatment under inert atmosphere (absence of oxygen) at 275 &#x00B0;C removes these substances. Therefore, the raw hydrochar is placed on a glass frit of a vertical tubular quartz reactor. A nitrogen gas flow is applied in down-flow direction. The tube is heated to the desired temperature by means of a heating mantle for up to one hour.
The success of the thermal treatment is easily quantified by thermogravimetry (TG), carried out in air. A weight loss is determined when the temperature of 275 &#x00B0;C is reached, since volatile content is desorbed. Its amount is reduced in the final material, in comparison to the untreated hydrochar.
The two-step treatment converts household leftovers, including compostable bags employed for their collection, into a carbon material that may serve as plant growth promoter and, at the same time, as a carbon sink for climate change mitigation.

A protocol for hydrothermal carbonization of vegetable food waste in an autoclave is presented, with subsequent dry thermal treatment at 275 &#x00B0;C in a continuous flow reactor desorbing volatile organic substances. The aim is to produce a carbon material suitable as soil amendment product or substrate component.

A two-step procedure is described for the synthesis of a carbon material with a similar composition and properties as peat. The produced hydrochar is made ...

Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites

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