Repurposing Vetiver Grass for Biochar and Ethanol: A Sustainable Approach to Stormwater Management

A study explores using vetiver grass on floating treatment platforms to enhance stormwater pollutant removal. Vetiver’s resilience and pollutant absorption significantly improved water quality. The harvested biomass was successfully converted into biochar and ethanol, promoting sustainable stormwater management and circular economy practices.

May 16, 2024

1–2 minutes

Niagara, et al (2024) Repurposing spent 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 of vetiver grass used for stormwater treatment to generate 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 and ethanol. *Chemosphere.* https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142196

A recent study published in Chemosphere explores an innovative approach to stormwater management using vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) on floating treatment platforms (FTPs). Traditional stormwater retention ponds often fall short in effectively removing heavy metals and nutrients, crucial for mitigating water pollution. The research, conducted by Viravid Na Nagara and colleagues, investigates the use of vetiver-based FTPs to enhance pollutant removal and repurpose the spent biomass for biochar and ethanol production.

Vetiver grass, known for its resilience and ability to accumulate pollutants, was grown on FTPs in a greenhouse setup. The study compared the pollutant removal efficiency of vegetated FTPs with non-vegetated controls. The results were significant: vetiver-based FTPs outperformed the controls in removing heavy metals like copper, lead, and zinc, as well as nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. The grass thrived in hydroponic conditions without showing stress, highlighting its suitability for phytoremediationThis is a technique that uses plants to clean up contaminated soil or water. Biochar can enhance phytoremediation by improving soil conditions and promoting plant growth, allowing plants to absorb and break down pollutants more effectively. More.

Furthermore, the study explored the potential of converting harvested vetiver biomass into biochar and ethanol. The spent vetiver biomass yielded high-quality biochar and ethanol, with low pollutant leachingLeaching is the process where nutrients are dissolved and carried away from the soil by water. This can lead to nutrient depletion and environmental pollution. Biochar can help reduce leaching by improving nutrient retention in the soil. More risks, supporting sustainable waste management practices. This dual-purpose approach not only improves stormwater treatment but also contributes to a circular economy by transforming waste into valuable resources.

The findings suggest that vetiver-based FTPs offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for enhancing the efficacy of stormwater retention ponds. Additionally, the valorization of vetiver biomass into biochar and ethanol underscores the environmental and economic benefits of integrating phytoremediation with bioresource production. This research marks a promising step towards sustainable stormwater management and resource utilization.