Slow pyrolysis enhances the recovery and reuse of phosphorus and reduces metal leaching from biosolids.
In this study, biochar is produced from biosolids with and without alum at a range of temperatures and simulated oxidative aging of the biochars is conducted to quantify the long-term leaching of P and metals. While biosolids containing alum had negligible amounts of plant-available P, after pyrolysis >90% of the P became immediately available for plant growth. When biosolids with no alum were converted into biochar there was a small increase in the availability of P but a larger pool was available after oxidation. Both of the biosolids leached significant amounts of metals after oxidation. In contrast, the biochars had a very low available metal content and this did not increase with oxidation, demonstrating a stable metal content. Pyrolysis is an effective waste management strategy for biosolids that can simultaneously reduce the leaching of metals and increase the efficiency of recycling of P for beneficial re-use.
MACRO - the Centre for Macroalgal Resources and Biotechnology, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia. Electronic address: david.roberts1@jcu.edu.au.
David A
DA
Roberts
MACRO - the Centre for Macroalgal Resources and Biotechnology, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
Andrew J
AJ
Cole
Wastewater Operations, Townsville Water and Waste, QLD 4811, Australia.
Anna
A
Whelan
MACRO - the Centre for Macroalgal Resources and Biotechnology, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
Rocky
R
de Nys
MACRO - the Centre for Macroalgal Resources and Biotechnology, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Present address: Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia.
Nicholas A
NA
Paul
D002606:Charcoal; D008670:Metals; D010758:Phosphorus; D013696:Temperature; D018505:Waste Management
D008670:Metals; C540010:biochar; D002606:Charcoal; D010758:Phosphorus
Biochar; Biosolids; Metals; Phosphorus; Pyrolysis