A new portable biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More system that can be used to convert organic waste into a valuable soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More has won a $250,000 MITACS award. The system, developed by researchers at the University of British Columbia, is designed to be used in remote and rural communities, where access to traditional composting facilities is limited. Biochar is a type of charcoalCharcoal is a black, brittle, and porous material produced by heating wood or other organic substances in a low-oxygen environment. It is primarily used as a fuel source for cooking and heating.   More that is made from organic matter that has been heated to high temperatures in an oxygen-limited environment. It has a number of beneficial properties, including the ability to improve soil quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and filter water. The MITACS award will help the researchers to further develop the system and make it available to a wider range of users.

“BiomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More is a global challenge,” said Kung, noting that more than four billion tonnes of biomass residues are burned globally in open air each year, accounting for as many as 10% of worldwide air pollution deaths. “Our goal is end the practice of burning by turning costly residues into economic commodities.”

SOURCE: https://ift.tt/JV3f4Fy