Characterization of biochar from green coconut shell and orange peel wastes

Abstract

Organic wastes from the processing of green coconut and orange are widely generated in Brazil. These agroindustrial residues have the potential of reuse, but mostly they are destinated for landfills. In this study, biochar from green coconut shell (CSB) and orange peel (OPB) were produced by pyrolysis of the biomass at the temperature of 350°C for one hour. Biochar is characterized for pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, particle size distribution, proximate analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis for identification of pore size. The CSB and OPB presented high values of fixed carbon (59% for OPB and 34% for CSB), volatile matter (30% for OPB and 29% for CSB) and pH (8.78 for OPB and 8.41 for CSB). The SEM images showed complex network of heterogeneous pores for OPB, and cylindrical crevices interconnected by some large tubes for CSB. The results indicate that OPB and CSB can be used as a soil amendment and as low-cost adsorbents in adsorption process.