In a recent study published in Science of the Total Environment, Ganesan et al., investigate the potential of converting construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) wood waste into 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 through slow 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. The study focuses on CRD wood waste in Quebec, a region that generates a considerable amount of this waste stream. The authors highlight the environmental concerns associated with current disposal methods, such as landfilling, and emphasize the need for alternative treatment methods.  

The study conducted laboratory-scale pyrolysis experiments using a horizontal tube furnace to convert CRD wood waste into biochar. The researchers explored a range of pyrolysis temperatures (300 to 800 °C), 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 residence times (30 to 120 minutes), and heating rates (20 to 55 °C/min) to optimize the process. The resulting biochar was then characterized using various techniques to assess its stability and potential applications.  

The study found that pyrolysis temperature significantly influenced the properties of the biochar. Higher temperatures led to increased carbon content, fixed carbon, and thermostable fraction, indicating enhanced stability. These high-temperature biochars also exhibited a higher surface area, making them suitable for adsorption applications.  The authors suggest that biochar derived from CRD wood waste could be used in various applications, including metallurgical processes, carbon sequestration, soil remediation, and agriculture. They emphasize the importance of understanding biochar stability for its effective utilization in these applications.  

This research demonstrates the potential of valorizing CRD wood waste into valuable biochar, contributing to waste reduction and promoting a circular economy. The findings provide valuable insights for developing sustainable waste management strategies and promoting the use of biochar in various sectors.  

SOURCE: Ganesan, A., Rezazgui, O., Langlois, S., Boussabbeh, C., & Barnab ́e, S. (2025). Pyrolytic conversion of construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) wood wastes in Qu ́ebec to biochar: Production, characterization, and identifying relevant stability indices for carbon sequestration. Science of the Total Environment, 965, 178650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178650