Applying microwave vacuum pyrolysis to design moisture retention and pH neutralizing palm kernel shell biochar for mushroom production. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wan Mahari, Wan Adibah; Nam, Wai Lun; Sonne, Christian; Peng, Wanxi; Phang, Xue Yee; Liew, Rock Keey; Yek, Peter Nai Yuh; Lee, Xie Yi; Wen, Ou Wei; Show, Pau Loke; Chen, Wei-Hsin; Chang, Jo-Shu; Lam, Su Shiung
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 312(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Biochar -- Vacuum -- Pyrolysis -- Oyster mushroom -- Mushroom cultivation; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123572
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Microwave vacuum pyrolysis produces highly porous palm kernel shell biochar. Biochar retains and increases moisture content in mushroom substrate up to 99%. Biochar speed ups full colonization of the mycelium within one month. Biochar maintains optimum pH level (6.8–7) during the mycelium colonization period. Biochar produces high mycelium growth (up to 91%) and mushroom yield (up to 280 g). Abstract: Microwave vacuum pyrolysis of palm kernel shell was examined to produce engineered biochar for application as additive in agriculture application. The pyrolysis approach, performed at 750 W of microwave power, produced higher yield of porous biochar (28 wt%) with high surface area (270 cm 2 /g) compared to the yield obtained by conventional approach (<23 wt%). Addition of the porous biochar in mushroom substrate showed increased moisture content (99%) compared to the substrate without biochar (96%). The mushroom substrate added with biochar (150 g) was optimal in shortening formation, growth, and full colonization of the mycelium within one month. Using 2.5% of the biochar in mushroom substrate desirably maintained the optimum pH level (6.8–7) during the mycelium colonization period, leading to high mycelium growth (up to 91%) and mushroom yield (up to 280 g). The engineered biochar shows great potential as moisture retention and neutralizing agent in mushroom cultivation.