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Indigenous species in coastal barren communities are subject to anthropogenic and environmental pressures; some species are in decline, and there is uncertainty about their long-term survival. The authors added supplemental soil carbon in the form of red oak biochar to calcined clay (1:9) to determine the effect of this treatment on survival of legume (Lupinus perennis and Baptisia tinctoria) and non-legume (Vaccinium angustifolium and Quercus ilicifolia) species during a period spanning two and a half seasons of unirrigated pot tests. Red oak biochar used in the experiment was produced from pyrolysis, the thermochemical devolitization and carbonization of the starting biomass. Biochar significantly affected the survival rates of all species (P=<.03). Biochartreated non-legumes had higher survival rates (P=<.10) than similarly treated legumes. Future investigations of biochars, particularly those evolved from recycled lignocellulosic wastes, associated with survival, should focus on reversal of habitat loss.

This report summarizes the results of a University/Industry research project, sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Fluids Design Corporation. The experimental work was performed by the Department of Chemical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Instltute under the supervision of Dr. E. Bruce Nauman. The work was performed under subcontract to Fluids Design Corporation. The research project studied the solvent regeneration of actlvated carbon. Activated carbon was used to remove trace organics from aqueous streams, then regenerated by desorbing the adsorbates with organic solvents. The project included a survey of the potential applications in New York State industries, fundamental research on the adsorption/desorption phenomena, and design of a full-scale process. The economics of the full-scale process were evaluated and compared to alternate available technologies. The result of this work is a versatile process with attractive economics. A wide range of adsorbates and solvents were found to be acceptable for this process. The design methodologies are developed and the techniques for evaluating anew application are delineated.

A device was developed for laboratory testing of a heat generating process that can use commercial organic by-products as fuel. This process, Activated Carbon Facilitated Oxidation (AC FOX), enables less refined organic compounds to be used as fuel sources, including glycerin, animal fats, and forms of brown grease. AC FOX oxidizes these compounds on the carbon surface in an exothermic reaction that does not involve combustion via flame. Although AC FOX has been demonstrated and patented, further development is required for industrial application. The device developed in this project forms a packed column vessel measuring three inches in diameter by five inches in height. Multiple ports have been drilled for temperature sensors and fluid flow. A thermosyphon design is being tested for heat transfer, and consists of a steel tube that will be partially filled with a working fluid. The bottom of the tube, evaporator, sits centrally in the packed column of activated carbon while the top section, condenser, is submerged in water. This device will enable the establishment of optimal conditions for AC FOX heat generation.