Comparison of biochar properties from 5 kinds of halophyte produced by slow pyrolysis at 500 °C

Abstract

Glycophyte biomass-derived biochars are currently concerned in most studies. However, little attention is given to the characteristics of halophyte-derived biochars. In this study, five typical halophytes of euhalophytes (Suaeda altissima, Suaeda salsa, and Kalidium foliatum), recretohalophytes (Phragmites australis), and pseudohalophytes (Tamarix chinensis) which are widely distributed in the arid and semiarid regions of northwestern China were selected for producing biochars with a slow pyrolysis process at 500 °C for 1 h. The harvested biochars were characterized in elemental content, pores, surface area, and surface charges, and then their potential value as a soil conditioner was evaluated. The results showed that the halophyte-derived biochars had variable ash and Na+ contents, ranging from 7.26 to 23.64% and 1.06 to 33.93 g kg−1 respectively. The EC value of the biochars ranged from 1.76 to 23.45 mS cm−1. The biochar derived from Suaeda altissima had a very low specific surface area (SSA), 3.50 m2 g−1, while that derived from Phragmites australis (BPA) had a very high SSA, 344.02 m2 g−1. All the biochars carried both positive and negative charges. Kalidium foliatum biochar (BKF) possessed more negative charges, while Suaeda altissima biochar (BSA) contained more positive charges. In general, the halophyte biochars had a higher ash content and lower point of zero net charge (PZNC) value, compared with the biochars derived from glycophytes, which would imply their higher potential value as an acidic soil conditioner.

Effects of acidic phosphorus-rich biochar from halophyte species on P availability and fractions in alkaline soils

“…The O/C atomic ratio in HBC was < 0.2, suggesting a longer stability and half-life of HBC [28]. Halophytes are rich with cations, such as Ca, K, Mg, and Na [13,14]. After pyrolysis, these cations form carbonates and oxides, increasing the pH of HBC [15,27].…”

“…However, most of the halophyte biomass is not properly utilized. These biomass wastes are conventionally treated via landfill disposal or incineration, leading to extra environmental pollution [14]. Halophytes are valuable biomass resources rich in cellulose and lignin, which can be utilized for biochar preparation [13,15,16].…”

Microplastic stress in plants: effects on plant growth and their remediations

“…Biochar has great potential in ameliorating different soil-related abiotic stresses ( Haider et al, 2022 ), including MP pollution in soil via increasing microbial activity, water restoration/retention, making complexes, and adsorption of MPs and heavy metals on biochar surface ( Dad et al., 2020 ; Khan et al., 2022b ; Ge et al., 2023 ). Nonetheless, the impact of biochar on the amelioration of MP-contaminated soil depends on the pyrolysis temperature ( Makkawi et al, 2021 ; Palansooriya et al., 2022 ; Xiao et al, 2022 ) and the elemental composition of biochar feedstock ( Ge et al., 2023 ). Furthermore, the application of biochar derived from sugar improved rice height, and rice yield under PS MP stress ( Rassaei, 2023 ).…”

Interactions in co-pyrolysis of Salicornia bigelovii and heavy fuel oil

“…6–8 The pyrolysis products of other halophytes such as Tamarix chinensis , Suaeda salsa , and Phragmites australis have also been explored. 9,10…”

“…[6][7][8] The pyrolysis products of other halophytes such as Tamarix chinensis, Suaeda salsa, and Phragmites australis have also been explored. 9,10 Pyrolysis bio-oil has potential in becoming a great candidate for energy generation. However, bio-oil still falls short when compared to fossil fuels due to the presence of heteroatoms, namely, N, O and S. Thus far, bio-oil has been used as a lowgrade fuel, 11 a source of value added chemicals, 12 a binder 13 and a functional carbon material.…”