Ecotoxicological Effects of Biochar Obtained from Spent Coffee Grounds

Abstract

The objective of this work is to investigate the conversion of spent coffee grounds (SCG) into biochar (BSC) and the ecotoxicological effects of the product obtained. The SCG and BSC were characterized by characterized by different techniques (TGA/DTG, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS, and EDXRF). Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) was used to characterize the aqueous extract of BSC. The inhibitory effect on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) germination was investigated. Besides, antimicrobial activity evaluation trials were conducted with Azospirillum brasilense and Trichoderma spp. The results showed that in the BSC production process, the extractives and lignocellulosic components in the SCG were partly decomposed. Tests conducted with microorganisms did not reveal any toxic effect of BSC. However, high phytotoxicity against lettuce was recorded for rate 100 t/ha of BSC. This effect was associated with the presence of carboxylic acids identified by 1H NMR in the BSC extract aqueous.