Biochar to reduce ammonia emissions in gaseous and liquid phase during composting of poultry manure with wheat straw. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Janczak, Damian; Malińska, Krystyna; Czekała, Wojciech; Cáceres, Rafaela; Lewicki, Andrzej; Dach, Jacek
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 66(2017)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Composting -- Poultry manure -- Biochar -- Nitrogen -- Ammonia emission -- Leachate and condensate; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.04.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Biochar can function as an amendment for low C/N and low porosity raw materials. Biochar reduced the gaseous emissions of ammonia during poultry manure composting. Significant ammonia emissions [NH4 + ] in the condensate were registered. Biochar has a potential impact on N retention during composting of high N materials. Measuring [NH4 + ] in condensate allows closing up the N balance during composting. Abstract: Composting of poultry manure which is high in N and dense in structure can cause several problems including significant N losses in the form of NH3 through volatilization. Biochar due to its recalcitrance and sorption properties can be used in composting as a bulking agent and/or amendment. The addition of a bulking agent to high moisture raw materials can assure optimal moisture content and enough air-filled porosity but not necessarily the C/N ratio. Therefore, amendment of low C/N composting mixtures with biochar at low rates can have a positive effect on composting dynamics. This work aimed at evaluating the effect of selected doses of wood derived biochar amendment (0%, 5% and 10%, wet weight) to poultry manure (P) mixed with wheat straw (S) (in the ratio of 1:0.4 on wet weight) on the total ammonia emissions (including gaseous emissions of ammonia and liquid emissions of ammonium in the collected condensate and leachate) during composting. The process was performed in 165 L laboratory scale composting reactors for 42 days. The addition of 5% and 10% of biochar reduced gaseous ammonia emission by 30% and 44%, respectively. According to the obtained results, the measure of emission through the condensate would be necessary to assess the impact of the total ammonia emission during the composting process.