Biochar from date palm waste, production, characteristics and use in the treatment of pollutants: A Review

Abstract

In view of the continuously rising environmental problems and the increasing energy demand worldwide in general, the utilization of sustainable renewable energy and treatment methods have become a scientific and industrial move in the last few years. One of the most important energy sources, biomass constitute a precious source. The sustainable conversion of biomass products and the use of different agricultural and forestry-derived residues can play an important role in reducing pollution in many phases. Date palm Phoenix dactylifera L. is one of the most important fruit trees that is found in tropical, sub-tropical and arid regions of the world precisely those stretching from North Africa to the Middle East. There are about 120 million date palm trees in the world where each date tree generates around 20 kilograms of dry leaves annually while date pits account for almost 10% of date fruits. A varied range of physicochemical, biochemical and thermal technologies has been applied for sustainable application of date palm biomass. The present review elucidates the possible use of date palm waste and the efforts so far made in both producing biochar and its use in different treatment processes. The review also defines the future required solutions for the date palm waste problems.