Life-cycle assessment of pyrolysis processes for sustainable production of biochar from agro-residues. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhu, Xiefei; Labianca, Claudia; He, Mingjing; Luo, Zejun; Wu, Chunfei; You, Siming; Tsang, Daniel C.W.
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 360(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Circular economy -- Renewable energy -- Engineered biochar -- Activated carbon -- Sustainable waste management -- Carbon neutrality; 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.2022.127601
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Agro-residues are candidate feedstocks for sustainable production of biochar. Pyrolysis is a promising technology for net carbon management of agro-residues. LCA unification facilitates the sustainability assessment of biochar production. Biochar has carbon reduction potential in energy and soil applications. Biochar technologies with regional characteristics have great development prospects. Abstract: Net carbon management of agro-residues has been an important pathway for reducing the environmental burdens of agricultural production. Converting agro-residues into biochar through pyrolysis is a prominent management strategy for achieving carbon neutrality in a circular economy, meeting both environmental and social concerns. Based on the latest studies, this study critically analyzes the life cycle assessment (LCA) of biochar production from different agro-residues and compares typical technologies for biochar production. Although a direct comparison of results is not always feasible due to different functional units and system boundaries, the net carbon sequestration potential of biochar technology is remarkably promising. By pyrolyzing agro-residues, biochar can be effectively produced and customized as: (i) alternative energy source, (ii) soil amendment, and (iii) activated carbon substitution. The combination of life cycle assessment and circular economy modelling is encouraged to achieve greener and sustainable biochar production.