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Synergistic effects of biochar derived from different sources on greenhouse gas emissions and microplastics mitigation during sewage sludge composting
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Researchers found that biochar from different sources (wheat straw, sawdust, pig manure) added during sewage sludge composting significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and microplastic abundance, with sawdust biochar showing the most effective mitigation of global warming potential.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar derived from different sources (wheat straw, sawdust and pig manure) on greenhouse gas and microplastics (MPs) mitigation during sewage sludge composting. Compared to the control, all biochar significantly reduced the NO by 28.91-41.23%, while having no apparent effect on CH. Sawdust biochar and pig manure biochar significantly reduced the NH by 12.53-23.53%. Adding biochar decreased the global warming potential during composting, especially pig manure biochar (177.48 g/kg CO-eq.). The concentration of MPs significantly increased in the control (43736.86 particles/kg) compared to the initial mixtures, while the addition of biochar promoted the oxidation and degradation of MPs (15896.06-23225.11 particles/kg), with sawdust biochar and manure biochar were more effective. Additionally, biochar significantly reduced the abundance of small-sized (10-100 μm) MPs compared to the control. Moreover, biochar might regulate specific microbes (e.g., Thermobifida, Bacillus and Ureibacillus) to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and MPs degradation.
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A 45-day laboratory incubation experiment tested polyethylene microplastics and two types of biochar applied to agricultural soil alone and in combination, measuring effects on greenhouse gas emissions and microbial communities. Co-application of microplastic and biochar reduced the global warming potential of cumulative greenhouse gas emissions compared to microplastic alone, suggesting biochar partially mitigates microplastic effects on soil carbon cycling.
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Researchers used walnut shell biochar combined with montmorillonite clay in pig manure composting and found the amendments accelerated biodegradation of microplastics and altered bacterial community succession. Optimal biochar concentration was 5 percent, achieving the best balance of composting performance and plastic degradation.
Co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and metal-free/metal-loaded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics improved biochar properties and reduced environmental risk of heavy metals
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Sewage sludge was co-pyrolyzed with metal-laden and metal-free PVC microplastics, producing biochars with improved properties and reduced environmental risk from heavy metals compared to pyrolyzing sludge alone. The study demonstrates co-pyrolysis as a strategy to address both plastic and heavy metal pollution in sludge treatment processes.
Evaluating the abundance of two particle size ranges of polyethylene microplastics in pig manure under integrated black soldier fly and biochar-amended composting treatments
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Researchers combined black soldier fly larval bioconversion with biochar co-composting to control polyethylene microplastics in pig manure, finding that smaller MPs (150 μm) accumulated in larval guts while larger MPs (300 μm) concentrated in larval residue, with biochar particle size influencing subsequent MP oxidation during composting.
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