Dudło, et al (2024) Humic substances sorption from wastewater on the 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 produced from the waste materials. Journal of Environmental Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122366

Biochar, produced through the pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More of various waste materials, offers a promising solution for recovering valuable humic substances (HSs) from wastewater. These substances, which include humic acids (HAs) and fulvic acids (FAs), are key components of organic matter that improve soil quality and nutrient availability. Traditionally, humic substances have been sourced from non-renewable materials like peat and coal, but this study explores a more sustainable approach using reject water (RW) from wastewater treatment plants as a source of HSs.

In the research, biochar (BC) derived from materials such as pine, oak, straw, sunflower, and digestate was tested for its capacity to adsorb HSs from RW. The biochars were produced at different pyrolysis temperatures, ranging from low to high heat. Results indicated that biochars made from straw were the most effective sorbents, with capacities of up to 5.31 mg/g for HSs. Sunflower and oak-based biochars also showed strong potential for humic recovery, particularly when produced at higher temperatures.

This study highlights the potential of biochar not only for wastewater treatment but also as a 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 that can improve soil structure, increase nutrient retention, and promote plant growth. The next phase of research will focus on evaluating these biochars in different soil environments to determine their long-term effects on soil quality and sustainability.