Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1080/03650340.2017.1396318
Document accepted manuscript
Title (Primary) Hydrochars derived from sewage sludge: effects of pre-treatment with water on char properties, phytotoxicity and chemical structure
Author Breulmann, M.; Schulz, E.; van Afferden, M.; Müller, R.A.; Fühner, C.
Source Titel Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science
Year 2018
Department BOOEK; UBZ
Volume 64
Issue 6
Page From 860
Page To 872
Language englisch
Keywords biochar; hydrochar; midDRIFTS peak area analysis; phytotoxicity; washing
UFZ wide themes RU2;
Abstract Large amounts of labile compounds are adsorbed to the surface of chars produced by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). The aim of this study was to characterize the core and adsorbed fractions of hydrochars and to gain knowledge about the possibility to remove phytotoxic compounds by washings with water. Chars were produced by HTC of sewage sludge at different temperatures (180 – 200 °C) and over different periods of time (4 – 8 h). For comparison one pyrolysis char produced by thermocatalytic low temperature conversion (LTC) at 400 °C for 1 h was included in the study. The chars and their feedstocks were treated varying the duration (1 x 15, 1 x 30 and 1 x 60 min) and number (2 x 60 and 3 x 60 min) of washings. Physicochemical properties, including the molecular structure of the test materials, and their effects on germination and plant growth were analysed. Element concentrations and phytotoxic effects were reduced (up to 90 % for total carbon and 61 % for total nitrogen), the number of washings had a stronger effect than their length of time. Intensive washings with water reduced the hydrochars’ portion of biodegradable compounds significantly. However, also plant available nutrients were lost by washing with water, decreasing the value of hydrochars as a soil amendment.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=19408
Breulmann, M., Schulz, E., van Afferden, M., Müller, R.A., Fühner, C. (2018):
Hydrochars derived from sewage sludge: effects of pre-treatment with water on char properties, phytotoxicity and chemical structure
Arch. Agron. Soil Sci. 64 (6), 860 - 872 10.1080/03650340.2017.1396318