Biochar provides a safe and value-added solution for hyperaccumulating plant disposal: A case study of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. (Phytolaccaceae).
In this work, an innovative approach using biochar technology for hyperaccumulator disposal was developed and evaluated. The heavy metal enriched P. acinosa biomass (PBM) was pyrolyzed to produce biochar (PBC). Both PBM and PBC were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystal phases, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface topography, and analyzed for elemental composition and mobility. The results revealed that whewellite, a dominant crystal form in biomass, was decomposed to calcite after pyrolysis. Elemental analysis indicated that 91-99% total non-volatile elements in the biomass were retained in the biochar. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) results revealed that 94.6% and 0.15% of total Mn was extracted for biomass and biochar, respectively. This suggests that mobility and bioavailability of Mn in biochar was much lower relative to pristine biomass. Batch sorption experiment showed that excellent removal of aqueous silver, lead, cadmium, and copper ions can be achieved with PBC. Findings from this work indicated that biochar technology can provide a value-added solution for hyperaccumulator disposal.
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Shengsen
S
Wang
Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. Electronic address: bg55@ufl.edu.
Bin
B
Gao
Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Homestead, FL 33031, USA.
Yuncong
Y
Li
Korea Biochar Research Center & School of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, South Korea.
Yong Sik
YS
Ok
Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Chaofeng
C
Shen
School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
Shengguo
S
Xue
D018533:Biomass; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D002606:Charcoal / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation / Q000379:methods*; D017745:Incineration; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000302:isolation & purification; D029603:Phytolacca / Q000737:chemistry
D019216:Metals, Heavy; C540010:biochar; D002606:Charcoal; D002119:Calcium Carbonate
Black carbon; Charcoal; Environmental remediation; Phytomanagement; Waste recycling