New insight into the impact of biochar during vermi-stabilization of divergent biowastes: Literature synthesis and research pursuits. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khan, Muhammad Bilal; Cui, Xiaoqiang; Jilani, Ghulam; Tang, Lin; Lu, Min; Cao, Xuerui; Sahito, Zulfiqar Ali; Hamid, Yasir; Hussain, Bilal; Yang, Xiaoe; He, Zhenli
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 238(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Biochar -- Biowastes -- Vermicomposting -- Nutrient retention -- Nutrient rich compost; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124679
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Biochar amendment for compost stabilization of divergent biowastes is gaining considerable attention due to environmental, agronomic and economic benefits. Research to date exhibits its favorable physico-chemical characteristics, viz. greater porosity, surface area, amount of functional groups, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), which allow interface with main nutrient cycles, favor microbial activities during composting, and improve the reproduction of earthworms during vermicomposting. Biochar amendment during composting and vermicomposting of biowastes boosts physico-chemical properties of compost mixture, microbial activities and organic matter degradation; and reduces nitrogen loss and emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). It also improves the quality of final compost by increasing concentration of plant available nutrients, enhancing maturity, decreasing composting duration and reducing the toxicity of compost. Due to these characteristics, biochar could be considered a beneficial additive for the stabilization of different biowastes during composting and vermicomposting processes. Hence, good quality vermicompost, efficient recycling and management of biowastes could be achieved by addition of biochar through composting and vermicomposting. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Immobilization mechanisms of organic/inorganic contaminants depend on biochar material and pyrolysis temperature. Biochar and earthworms together create bio-physical conditions suitable for degradation of biowastes and reduction of GHGs. Large scale experiments are required to know the real benefits of biochar for biowaste stabilization. Future studies should focus on cost-benefit analysis for biochar amendment in vermicomposting.