The Use of Sewage Sludge Biochar from Wastewater Treatment as Bio-Fertilizer for Soil Amendment

Open Access
- Author:
- Mc Conkey, Maryn
- Area of Honors:
- Environmental Systems Engineering
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Meng Wang, Thesis Supervisor
Jeremy Michael Gernand, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- sewage sludge biochar
biochar
soil amendment - Abstract:
- This study explores the efficacy of sewage sludge biochar produced at different pyrolysis temperatures as a bio-fertilizer for soil amendment. Focusing on its influence on the growth of corn plants and the broader implication of carbon sequestration, the research examines the comparative effects of biochar produced at 300°C, 450°C, and 600°C. The experimental design includes characterizing the biochar and soil, monitoring plant growth, conducting elemental analyses, evaluating the rates of nitrogen and carbon mineralization, and determining levels of carbon sequestration within plants and soil. The findings reveal that biochar treated at 300°C may increase corn plant growth, possibly due to its optimal balance of surface area and beneficial chemical properties. Meanwhile, the 450°C biochar was found to accelerate the nitrogen mineralization process, potentially increasing nutrient cycling and availability in soil. Most notably, the 600°C biochar treatment exhibits the ability to reduce carbon mineralization rates, indicating an improved capacity for long-term carbon storage in the soil and a slower conversion to carbon dioxide, aligning with carbon sequestration objectives. This research presents the role temperature-treated biochar plays in not only soil amendment but also in contributing to sustainable agricultural development and climate change mitigation by storing more organic carbon. The conclusion drawn suggests that the biochar's temperature of formation critically dictates its suitability for various agricultural and environmental applications. Ultimately, the production and application of biochar at different temperatures could lead to considerable advancements in environmental engineering and agricultural sustainability, and a new era of waste-to-wealth initiatives.