Slow pyrolysis enhances the recovery and reuse of phosphorus and reduces metal leaching from biosolids

David A Roberts; Andrew J Cole; Anna Whelan; Rocky de Nys; Nicholas A Paul

doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2017.03.012

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Slow pyrolysis enhances the recovery and reuse of phosphorus and reduces metal leaching from biosolids

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Slow pyrolysis enhances the recovery and reuse of phosphorus and reduces metal leaching from biosolids

David A Roberts, Andrew J Cole, Anna Whelan, Rocky de Nys and Nicholas A Paul

Waste Management, Vol.64, pp.133-139

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2017.03.012

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Abstract

biosolids

biochar

phosphorus

metals

pyrolysis

In this study, biochar is produced from biosolids with and without alum at a range of temperatures and simulated oxidative aging of the biochars is conducted to quantify the long-term leaching of P and metals. While biosolids containing alum had negligible amounts of plant-available P, after pyrolysis >90% of the P became immediately available for plant growth. When biosolids with no alum were converted into biochar there was a small increase in the availability of P but a larger pool was available after oxidation. Both of the biosolids leached significant amounts of metals after oxidation. In contrast, the biochars had a very low available metal content and this did not increase with oxidation, demonstrating a stable metal content. Pyrolysis is an effective waste management strategy for biosolids that can simultaneously reduce the leaching of metals and increase the efficiency of recycling of P for beneficial re-use.

Details

Title: Slow pyrolysis enhances the recovery and reuse of phosphorus and reduces metal leaching from biosolids
Authors: David A Roberts (Author) - James Cook University
Andrew J Cole (Author) - James Cook University
Anna Whelan (Author) - Townsville Waste Water
Rocky de Nys (Author) - James Cook University
Nicholas A Paul (Author) - James Cook University
Publication details: Waste Management, Vol.64, pp.133-139
Publisher: Pergamon
DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.03.012
ISSN: 0956-053X
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering; School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451093102621
Output Type: Journal article