Pyrolysis of urban waste streams: Their potential use as horticultural media

BB Kaudal; D Chen; DB Madhavan; A Downie; A Weatherley

Journal article

Pyrolysis of urban waste streams: Their potential use as horticultural media

BB Kaudal, D Chen, DB Madhavan, A Downie, A Weatherley

Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis | Published : 2015

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaap.2015.02.011

Abstract

Biochar produced from mixture of biodegradable urban resources such as biosolids and greenwaste was slowly pyrolysed at 650 °C and characterised for its chemical and physical properties. The biochar was then compared to published values for growing media. It was found that this biochar has high surface area, inherent nutrient content, high porosity, high stability, desirable water holding capacity, air filled pore space and bulk density. Comparing the results of characterisation of this biochar with ideal potting substrate showed the highly porous and nutrient rich biochar were desirable however the high salt content was problematic. Fourier transform infrared analysis shows that carboxyl/ca..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Bhawana Bhatta Kaudal Author

Deli Chen Author

Tony Weatherley Author

Related Projects (1)

Urban Biochar: Towards prescriptive biochar use for maximum economic productivity and sustainability benefits in urban environments

This project will develop a life cycle assessment of waste management options for green waste and biosolids based on a clear understanding o..

Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

B. Bhatta would like to acknowledge the financial support from Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship and the University of Melbourne's Alton Gould Edmonds Scholarship.