Top

Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery

Published in:

05-01-2021 | Original Article

Influence of the harvest time and the airflow rate on the characteristics of the Arundo biochar produced in a pilot updraft reactor

Authors: Monica Carnevale, Leonardo Longo, Francesco Gallucci, Enrico Santangelo

Published in: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery | Issue 7/2022

Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.

search-config

AI-assisted search

Off

Abstract

The thermal degradation (pyrolysis) of renewable biomass (as crop residues or energy crops) into a carbon-rich byproduct has been proposed as a practice to fight soil degradation and to foster the mitigation of climate change. The pyrolysis conditions and the characteristics of the feedstock influence the quality of the biochar. The present study used a pilot updraft reactor to make a pyrogasification of the biomass of giant reed (Arundo donax L.). The temperature varied in the range 300–400 °C and the process lasted 60–90 min, conditions specific to slow pyrolysis. The work aimed to compare three airflow rates (0.001 m³ s⁻¹, 0.0007 m³ s⁻¹, and natural ventilation) and the Arundo biomass collected in winter (February) or summer (June), on the base of known harvesting time. The biochar yield was comparable between February (19.8%) and June (21.8%) but the biochar composition in terms of CHNSO was depending on the airflow rate. The values of the molar ratios indicated that the biochar produced with Arundo collected in winter (February) in presence of the air (0.001 and 0.0007 m³ s⁻¹) may have the highest level of aromaticity (H/C ratio), hydrophilicity, and polarity. Germination test on lettuce seeds showed different results: the winter biochar produced at 0.0007 m³ s⁻¹ gave germination comparable to the control up to a concentration in the substrate up to 2% in weight; the summer biochar reduced the growth of the seedlings already at 0.5% when produced under natural ventilation.

previous article Semi-continuous desulfurization of natural gas in photobioreactor by green sulfur-oxidizing bacterial consortia isolated from hot spring

next article Impact of hydrothermal carbonization on combustion properties of residual biomass

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

über 102.000 Bücher
über 537 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

Automobil + Motoren
Bauwesen + Immobilien
Business IT + Informatik
Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
Finance + Banking
Management + Führung
Marketing + Vertrieb
Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe
Versicherung + Risiko

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

inform now

Springer Professional "Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

über 67.000 Bücher
über 390 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

Automobil + Motoren
Bauwesen + Immobilien
Business IT + Informatik
Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

inform now

Kuppusamy S, Thavamani P, Megharaj M, Venkateswarlu K, Naidu R (2016) Agronomic and remedial benefits and risks of applying biochar to soil: current knowledge and future research directions. Environ Int 87:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2015.10.018CrossRef

Sohi SP, Krull E, Lopez-Capel E, Bol R (2010) A review of biochar and its use and function in soil. Adv Agron 105:47–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2113(10)05002-9CrossRef

Spokas KA, Cantrell KB, Novak JM, Archer DW, Ippolito JA, Collins HP, Boateng AA, Lima IM, Lamb MC, McAloon AJ, Lentz RD, Nichols KA (2012) Biochar: a synthesis of its agronomic impact beyond carbon sequestration. J Environ Qual 41:973–989. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2011.0069CrossRef

Renner R (2007) Rethinking biochar. Environ Sci Technol 1:5932–5933. https://doi.org/10.1021/es0726097CrossRef

Tour JM, Kittrell C, Colvin VL (2010) Green carbon as a bridge to renewable energy. Nat Mater 9:871–874. https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat2887CrossRef

Lehmann J, Gaunt J, Rondon M (2006) Bio-char sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems—a review. Mitig Adapt Strateg Glob Chang 11:403–427. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-005-9006-5CrossRef

Khorram MS, Zhang Q, Lin D et al (2016) Biochar: a review of its impact on pesticide behavior in soil environments and its potential applications. JES. 44:269–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2015.12.027CrossRef

Beesley L, Moreno-Jiménez E, Gomez-Eyles JL, Harris E, Robinson B, Sizmur T (2011) A review of biochars’ potential role in the remediation, revegetation and restoration of contaminated soils. Environ Pollut 159:3269–3282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2011.07.023CrossRef

Vaccari FP, Baronti S, Lugato E, Genesio L, Castaldi S, Fornasier F, Miglietta F (2011) Biochar as a strategy to sequester carbon and increase yield in durum wheat. Eur J Agron 34:231–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2011.01.006CrossRef

10.

Agegnehu G, Bass AM, Nelson PN, Bird MI (2016) Benefits of biochar , compost and biochar—compost for soil quality, maize yield and greenhouse gas emissions in a tropical agricultural soil. Sci Total Environ 543:295–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.054CrossRef

11.

Ajayi AE, Horn R (2016) Modification of chemical and hydrophysical properties of two texturally differentiated soils due to varying magnitudes of added biochar. Soil Tillage Res 164:34–44CrossRef

12.

Ajayi AE, Holthusen D, Horn R (2016) Changes in microstructural behaviour and hydraulic functions of biochar amended soils. Soil Tillage Res 155:166–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2015.08.007CrossRef

13.

Hussain M, Farooq M, Nawaz A, al-Sadi AM, Solaiman ZM, Alghamdi SS, Ammara U, Ok YS, Siddique KHM (2017) Biochar for crop production: potential benefits and risks. J Soils Sediments 17:685–716. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-016-1360-2CrossRef

14.

Jeffery S, Bezemer TM, Cornelissen G, Kuyper TW, Lehmann J, Mommer L, Sohi SP, van de Voorde TFJ, Wardle DA, van Groenigen JW (2015) The way forward in biochar research: targeting trade-offs between the potential wins. GCB Bioenergy 7:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12132CrossRef

15.

Schimmelpfennig S, Glaser B (2012) One step forward toward characterization: some important material properties to distinguish biochars. J Environ Qual 41:1001–1013. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2011.0146CrossRef

16.

Mcbeath AV, Smernik RJ, Krull ES, Lehmann J (2013) The influence of feedstock and production temperature on biochar carbon chemistry: a solid-state 13C NMR study. Biomass Bioenergy 60:121–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2013.11.002CrossRef

17.

Colantoni A, Evic N, Lord R, Retschitzegger S, Proto AR, Gallucci F, Monarca D (2016) Characterization of biochars produced from pyrolysis of pelletized agricultural residues. Renew Sust Energ Rev 64:187–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.06.003CrossRef

18.

Zambon I, Colosimo F, Monarca D, Cecchini M, Gallucci F, Proto A, Lord R, Colantoni A (2016) An innovative agro-forestry supply chain for residual biomass: physicochemical characterisation of biochar from olive and hazelnut pellets. Energies 9:1–11. https://doi.org/10.3390/en9070526CrossRef

19.

Pilu R, Manca A, Landoni M (2013) Arundo donax as an energy crop: pros and cons of the utilization of this perennial plant. Maydica 58:54–59

20.

Cosentino SL, Testa G, Scordia D, Alexopoulou E (2012) Future yields assessment of bioenergy crops in relation to climate change and technological development in Europe. Ital J Agron 7:154–166. https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2012.e22CrossRef

21.

Ceotto E, Di Candilo M (2010) Shoot cuttings propagation of giant reed ( Arundo donax L.) in water and moist soil: the path forward ? Biomass Bioenergy 34:1614–1623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2010.06.002CrossRef

22.

Lewandowski I (2016) The role of perennial biomass crops in a growing bioeconomy. In: Barth S, Murphy-Bokern D, Kalinina O et al (eds) Perennial biomass crops for a resource-constrained world. Springer International Publishing, Cham, pp 3–13CrossRef

23.

Fagnano M, Impagliazzo A, Mori M, Fiorentino N (2015) Agronomic and environmental impacts of giant reed (Arundo donax L.): results from a long-term field experiment in hilly areas subject to soil erosion. Bioenergy Res 8:415–422. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-014-9532-7CrossRef

24.

Picco D (2013) Esperienze nel nord-est Italia: la combustione del pellet di canna comune ed altre colture erbacee in impianti di piccola potenza. Ital J Agron 8s1:40–44

25.

Dahl J, Obernbergere I (2004) Evaluation of the combustion characteristics of four perennial energy crops (Arundo donax, Cynara cardunculus, Miscanthus X Giganteus, and Panicum virgatum). In: 2nd World Conference on Biomass for Energy, Industry and Climate Protection. Rome, Italy, pp. 10–14

26.

Giannini V, Oehmke C, Silvestri N, Wichtmann W, Dragoni F, Bonari E (2016) Combustibility of biomass from perennial crops cultivated on a rewetted Mediterranean peatland. Ecol Eng 97:157–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2016.09.008CrossRef

27.

Sgroi F, Maria A, Trapani D et al (2015) Economic performance of biogas plants using giant reed silage biomass feedstock. Ecol Eng 81:481–487CrossRef

28.

Corno L, Lonati S, Riva C, Pilu R, Adani F (2016) Giant cane (Arundo donax L.) can substitute traditional energy crops in producing energy by anaerobic digestion , reducing surface area and costs: a full-scale approach. Bioresour Technol 218:826–832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2016.07.050CrossRef

29.

Bura R, Ewanick S, Gustafson R (2012) Assessment of Arundo donax (giant reed) as feedstock for conversion to ethanol. TAPPI J 11:59–66CrossRef

30.

Scordia D, Cosentino SL, Lee J, Jeffries TW (2012) Bioconversion of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) hemicellulose hydrolysate to ethanol by Scheffersomyces stipitis CBS6054. Biomass Bioenergy 39:296–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2012.01.023CrossRef

31.

Shatalov AA, Pereira H (2006) Papermaking fibers from giant reed (Arundo donax L.) by advanced ecologically friendly pulping and bleaching technologies. BioResources 1:45–61CrossRef

32.

Flores JA, Pastor JJ, Martinez-Gabarron A, Gimeno-Blanes FJ, Rodríguez-Guisado I, Frutos MJ (2011) Arundo donax chipboard based on urea-formaldehyde resin using under 4 mm particles size meets the standard criteria for indoor use. Ind Crop Prod 34:1538–1542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2011.05.011CrossRef

33.

Xu X, Gao B, Zhao Y, Chen S, Tan X, Yue Q, Lin J, Wang Y (2012) Nitrate removal from aqueous solution by Arundo donax L . reed based anion exchange resin. J Hazard Mater 203–204:86–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.11.094CrossRef

34.

Corno L, Pilu R, Adani F (2014) Arundo donax L.: a non-food crop for bioenergy and bio-compound production. Biotechnol Adv 32:1535–1549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2014.10.006CrossRef

35.

Licursi D, Antonetti C, Mattonai M, Pérez-Armada L, Rivas S, Ribechini E, Raspolli Galletti AM (2018) Multi-valorisation of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) to give levulinic acid and valuable phenolic antioxidants. Ind Crop Prod 112:6–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2017.11.007CrossRef

36.

Saikia R, Singh R, Kataki R, Pant KK (2015) Perennial grass (Arundo donax L.) as a feedstock for thermo-chemical conversion to energy and materials. Bioresour Technol 188:265–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2015.01.089CrossRef

37.

Zheng H, Wang Z, Deng X, Zhao J, Luo Y, Novak J, Herbert S, Xing B (2013) Characteristics and nutrient values of biochars produced from giant reed at different temperatures. Bioresour Technol 130:463–471CrossRef

38.

Licursi D, Antonetti C, Bernardini J, Cinelli P, Coltelli MB, Lazzeri A, Martinelli M, Galletti AMR (2015) Characterization of the Arundo donax L . solid residue from hydrothermal conversion: comparison with technical lignins and application perspectives. Ind Crop Prod 76:1008–1024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2015.08.007CrossRef

39.

Bartoli M, Rosi L, Giovannelli A, Frediani P, Frediani M (2016) Production of bio-oils and bio-char from Arundo donax through microwave assisted pyrolysis in a multimode batch reactor. J Anal Appl Pyrolysis 122:479–489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2016.10.016CrossRef

40.

Nassi o Di Nasso N, Angelini LG, Bonari E (2010) Influence of fertilisation and harvest time on fuel quality of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) in Central Italy. Eur J Agron 32:219–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2009.12.001CrossRef

41.

Ragaglini G, Dragoni F, Simone M, Bonari E (2014) Suitability of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) for anaerobic digestion: effect of harvest time and frequency on the biomethane yield potential. Bioresour Technol 152:107–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2013.11.004CrossRef

42.

Luo L, Xu C, Chen Z, Zhang S (2015) Properties of biomass-derived biochars: combined effects of operating conditions and biomass types. Bioresour Technol 192:83–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2015.05.054CrossRef

43.

Qian K, Kumar A, Zhang H, Bellmer D, Huhnke R (2015) Recent advances in utilization of biochar. Renew Sust Energ Rev 42:1055–1064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.10.074CrossRef

44.

Ronsse F, van Hecke S, Dickinson D, Prins W (2013) Production and characterization of slow pyrolysis biochar: influence of feedstock type and pyrolysis conditions. GCB Bioenergy 5:104–115. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12018CrossRef

45.

UNI EN ISO 18134-1 (2015) Biocombustibili solidi - Determinazione del contenuto di umidità - Metodo dell’essiccamento in forno - Parte 1: Umidità totale - Metodo di riferimento

46.

UNI EN ISO 18125 (2018) Biocombustibili solidi - Determinazione del potere calorifico

47.

UNI EN ISO 16948 (2015) Biocombustibili solidi - Determinazione del contenuto totale di carbonio, idrogeno e azoto

48.

UNI EN 13037 (2012) Ammendanti e substrati di coltivazione - Determinazione del pH

49.

ISO 17126 (2005) Soil quality—determination of the effects of pollutants on soil flora—screening test for emergence of lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa L.)

50.

Montanari M (2012) Statistica ambientale. Analisi Multivariata. Metodologie di Ordinamento. SISSAD Snc

51.

Scordia D, Van Den Berg D, Van Sleen P et al (2016) Are herbaceous perennial grasses suitable feedstock for thermochemical conversion pathways ? Ind Crop Prod 91:350–357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2016.07.019CrossRef

52.

Nassi o Di Nasso N, Roncucci N, Triana F et al (2011) Seasonal nutrient dynamics and biomass quality of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) and miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus Greef et Deuter) as energy crops. Ital J Agron 6:152–158. https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2011.e24CrossRef

53.

Vassilev SV, Baxter D, Andersen LK, Vassileva CG (2010) An overview of the chemical composition of biomass. Fuel 89:913–933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2009.10.022CrossRef

54.

Nassi o Di Nasso N, Roncucci N, Bonari E (2013) Seasonal dynamics of aboveground and belowground biomass and nutrient accumulation and remobilization in giant reed (Arundo donax L.): a three-year study on marginal land. Bioenergy Res 6:725–736. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-012-9289-9CrossRef

55.

Yang X, Wang H, Strong PJ, Xu S, Liu S, Lu K, Sheng K, Guo J, Che L, He L, Ok Y, Yuan G, Shen Y, Chen X (2017) Thermal properties of biochars derived from waste biomass generated by agricultural and forestry sectors. Energies 10:10. https://doi.org/10.3390/en10040469CrossRef

56.

Kloss S, Zehetner F, Dellantonio A, Hamid R, Ottner F, Liedtke V, Schwanninger M, Gerzabek MH, Soja G (2012) Characterization of slow pyrolysis biochars: effects of feedstocks and pyrolysis temperature on biochar properties. J Environ Qual 41:990–1000. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2011.0070CrossRef

57.

Conte P, Schmidt H, Cimò G (2015) Research and application of biochar in Europe. Agric Environ Appl Biochar Adv Barriers:1–21. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaspecpub63.2014.0050

58.

Enders A, Hanley K, Whitman T, Joseph S, Lehmann J (2012) Characterization of biochars to evaluate recalcitrance and agronomic performance. Bioresour Technol 114:644–653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2012.03.022CrossRef

59.

Rutherford DW, Wershaw RL, Rostad CE, Kelly CN (2012) Effect of formation conditions on biochars: compositional and structural properties of cellulose, lignin, and pine biochars. Biomass Bioenergy 46:693–701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2012.06.026CrossRef

60.

Şensöz S, Angin D (2008) Pyrolysis of safflower (Charthamus tinctorius L.) seed press cake: part 1. The effects of pyrolysis parameters on the product yields. Bioresour Technol 99:5492–5497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2007.10.046CrossRef

61.

Keiluweit M, Kleber M, Sparrow MA, Simoneit BRT, Prahl FG (2012) Solvent-extractable polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biochar: influence of pyrolysis temperature and feedstock. Environ Sci Technol 46:9333–9341. https://doi.org/10.1021/es302125kCrossRef

62.

Zhao L, Cao X, Mašek O, Zimmerman A (2013) Heterogeneity of biochar properties as a function of feedstock sources and production temperatures. J Hazard Mater 256–257:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.04.015CrossRef

63.

Al-wabel MI, Al-Omran A, El-Naggar AH et al (2013) Pyrolysis temperature induced changes in characteristics and chemical composition of biochar produced from conocarpus wastes. Bioresour Technol 131:374–379CrossRef

64.

Lattao C, Cao X, Mao J et al (2014) Influence of molecular structure and adsorbent properties on sorption of organic compounds to a temperature series of wood chars. Environ Sci Technol 48:4790–4798. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.112.483.211-aCrossRef

65.

Angin D (2013) Effect of pyrolysis temperature and heating rate on biochar obtained from pyrolysis of safflower seed press cake. Bioresour Technol 128:593–597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2012.10.150CrossRef

66.

Zhao Y, Huang L, Chen Y (2017) Biochars derived from giant reed (Arundo donax L.) with different treatment: characterization and ammonium adsorption potential. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24:25889–25898. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-0110-3CrossRef

67.

EBC (2012) European biochar certificate—guidelines for a sustainable production of biochar. European Biochar Foundation (EBC), Arbaz

68.

Busch D, Kammann C, Grünhage L, Müller C (2011) Simple biotoxicity tests for evaluation of carbonaceous soil additives: establishment and reproducibility of four test procedures. J Environ Qual 41:1023–1032. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2011.0122CrossRef

69.

Solaiman ZM, Murphy DV, Abbott LK (2012) Biochars influence seed germination and early growth of seedlings. Plant Soil 353:273–287. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-011-1031-4CrossRef

70.

Liao S, Pan B, Li H, Zhang D, Xing B (2014) Detecting free radicals in biochars and determining their ability to inhibit the germination and growth of corn, wheat and rice seedlings. Environ Sci Technol 48:8581–8587CrossRef

71.

Sun J, Drosos M, Mazzei P, Savy D, Todisco D, Vinci G, Pan G, Piccolo A (2017) The molecular properties of biochar carbon released in dilute acidic solution and its effects on maize seed germination. Sci Total Environ 576:858–867. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.095CrossRef

72.

Rogovska N, Laird D, Cruse R et al (2012) Germination tests for assessing biochar quality germination tests for assessing biochar quality. J Environ Qual 41:1014–1022. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2011.0103CrossRef

73.

Wang Z, Zheng H, Luo Y, Deng X, Herbert S, Xing B (2013) Characterization and influence of biochars on nitrous oxide emission from agricultural soil. Environ Pollut 174:289–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2012.12.003CrossRef

74.

Laird DA, Brown RC, Amonette JE, Lehmann J (2009) Review of the pyrolysis platform for coproducing bio-oil and biochar. Biofuels Bioprod Biorefin 3:547–562. https://doi.org/10.1002/bbbCrossRef

75.

Lehmann J, Joseph S (2015) Biochar for environmental management: an introduction. In: Lehmann J, Joseph S (eds) Biochar for environmental management: science, technology and implementation, 2nd edn. Routledge, Oxon and New York, pp 1–12

76.

Reed TB, Das A (1988) Handbook of biomass downdraft gasifier engine systems. The Biomass Energy Foundation Press

Title: Influence of the harvest time and the airflow rate on the characteristics of the Arundo biochar produced in a pilot updraft reactor
Authors: Monica Carnevale
Leonardo Longo
Francesco Gallucci
Enrico Santangelo
Publication date: 05-01-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery / Issue 7/2022
Print ISSN: 2190-6815
Electronic ISSN: 2190-6823
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-020-01241-8

Springer Professional

Abstract

Please log in to get access to your license.

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Springer Professional "Technik"

Other articles of this Issue 7/2022

Pyrolysis of olive cake with catalytic upgrading of volatile products

Correction to: Nutrient recycling: from waste to crop

Response surface methodology (RSM) for assessing the effects of pretreatment, feedstock, and enzyme complex association on cellulose hydrolysis

Production of cellulolytic enzymes by Myceliophthora thermophila and their applicability in saccharification of rice straw

Optimizing the processes of extracting proteins from yellow peas and ethanol production from spent pea residues

Optimization of peroxide-alkaline pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of barley straw (Hordeum vulgare L.) to produce fermentable sugars using a Box–Behnken design