Technical feasibility and carbon footprint of biochar co-production with tomato plant residue. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Llorach-Massana, Pere; Lopez-Capel, Elisa; Peña, Javier; Rieradevall, Joan; Montero, Juan Ignacio; Puy, Neus
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 67(2017)
• Page Start: 121
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Tomato plant feedstock -- Biochar -- Carbon footprint -- Heavy metals -- Urban agriculture; BQM Biochar Quality Mandate -- BTP Biochar testing protocol -- C Carbon -- CC Climate change -- CO2 Carbon dioxide -- DSC Differential scanning calorimetry -- DTA Differential thermal analysis -- EBC European Biochar Certification -- IBI International Biochar Initiative -- ICPS-MS Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry -- i-RTG Integrated rooftop greenhouse -- LCA Life cycle assessment -- mdry biomass Mass of dry biomass -- RTG Rooftop greenhouse -- TGA Thermogravimetric analysis -- UA Urban agriculture -- %Stable-C Percentage of stable C remaining in the biochar; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.05.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: Biochar produced from tomato plant residue could be safely used soil amendment. C sequestration through biochar production with tomato plant residues is possible. Yields of over 40% and 50% carbon stabilization are required for C sequestration. Abstract: World tomato production is in the increase, generating large amounts of organic agricultural waste, which are currently incinerated or composted, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere. Organic waste is not only produced from conventional but also urban agricultural practices due recently gained popularity. An alternative to current waste management practices and carbon sequestration opportunity is the production of biochar (thermally converted biomass) from tomato plant residues and use as a soil amendment. To address the real contribution of biochar for greenhouse gas mitigation, it is necessary to assess the whole life cycle from the production of the tomato biomass feedstock to the actual distribution and utilisation of the biochar produced in a regional context. This study is the first step to determine the technical and environmental potential of producing biochar from tomato plant ( Solanum lycopersicum arawak variety) waste biomass and utilisation as a soil amendment. The study includes the characterisation of tomato plant residue as biochar feedstock (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and metal content); feedstock thermal stability; and the carbon footprint of biochar production under urban agriculture at pilot and small-scale plant, and conventional agriculture at large-scale plant. Tomato plant residue is a potentially suitable biochar feedstock under current European Certification based on its lignin content (19.7%) and low metal concentration. Biomass conversion yields of over 40%, 50% carbon stabilization and low pyrolysis temperature conditions (350–400 °C) would be required for biochar production to sequester carbon under urban pilot scale conditions; while large-scale biochar production from conventional agricultural practices have not the potential to sequestrate carbon because its logistics, which could be improved. Therefore, the diversion of tomato biomass waste residue from incineration or composting to biochar production for use as a soil amendment would environmentally be beneficial, but only if high biochar yields could be produced.