A new post-treatment method was applied for improving the sorption efficiency of biochar-based sorbents for anionic forms of phosphorus. The Fe-impregnation through direct hydrolysis of Fe(NO) was used to produce impregnated corn cob- (IBC A), garden wood waste- (IBC B), and wood chip-derived biochars (IBC C). The qualitative and quantitative effects of impregnation process on biochars were confirmed by SEM-EDX, FTIR, and ICP-MS. The analyses revealed increased concentrations of N and thus potential NO participation in the phosphate sorption process. Biochar surface area showed a significant decrease after the impregnation process due to the filling of micro- and mesopores with Fe maximum sorption capacity (Q ) increased by a factor of 12-50. The sorption processes of phosphates by IBC A, IBC B, and IBC C were dependent on pH, initial concentration, and time. Speciation analysis and pH-study confirmed the range of pH 4.5-5.5 as optimum values at which most of phosphorus is present in form of mononuclear HPO. Batch sorption experiments showed a significant increase in the sorption capacity for phosphates by Fe impregnation of biochar as well as effectiveness and stability of this treatment. These findings indicate an option for utilizing engineered biochars as tools for the recovery of phosphorus from the aquatic environment.

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Abstract:This study investigated the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in pyrogenic carbonaceous materials (PCM) produced from three waste materials during slow pyrolysis at 400 and 500°C. As feedstocks bone meal (BM), biogas slurry (BC) and chicken manure (CM) were used. As potentially problematic substances 1-and 2-methylnaphthalene were analysed as indicators for methylated hydrocarbons in pyrolysis products. The phytotoxic effect of soil amendments was evaluated by a standard cress germination test with Lepidium sativum L. The analysis showed higher concentrations of the sum of 16 US-EPA PAHs in samples produced at lower temperature and in samples produced from biogas slurry. Concentrations of 1-and 2-methylnaphthalene showed similar trends with concentrations in a range of 35-205% of the sum of 16 PAHs. Germination tests showed inhibition effects of products from biogas slurry when applied in concentrations of >10 % to standard substrate/. Apparently pyrolysis of biogas slurry requires special attention to avoid accumulation of PAHs and methylated naphthalenes.

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