Characterization of sewage sludge-derived biochars from different feedstocks and pyrolysis temperatures

The surface characteristics of sludge-derived biochar (SDBC) made from three feedstocks of wastewater sludge under different pyrolysis temperatures were investigated. Results showed that the sludge from Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) with pure domestic wastewater influent and less mixed industrial wastewater produced the highest biochar yield, and these SDBC samples have the highest isoelectric point (IEP) and the most uniform charge distribution, compared with other sources. For different pyrolysis temperatures, 400 degrees C tend to achieve more uniform surface charge distribution of SDBC, due to the oxidation process more occurred on the external surface than internal matrix at this temperature. In addition, a pyrolysis temperature of 300 degrees C resulted in the most reduction in DTPA-extractable metals of SDBCs, owing to the organo-metallic complex formed with the abundant presence of functional groups and available phosphorus content, which were easily decomposed or degraded at higher temperatures. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.