Evaluation of the Characteristics of Avocado Seed Biochar at Various Pyrolysis Temperatures for Sustainable Waste Management

Abstract

Avocado seeds are produced as a byproduct in households and industrial settings where avocados are used. These seeds become waste without economic or other advantages if not appropriately managed. Moreover, technology is needed to transform avocado seed waste into products with economic or practical benefits. One such technology involves converting avocado seed waste into biochar. Biochar can enhance carbon sequestration, nutrient retention, and water retention in soil. This research examines how different pyrolysis temperatures affect the characteristics of biochar produced from avocado seeds. The results show that pore formation begins at 400 °C of pyrolysis, although it is more clearly visible at a temperature of 500 °C. FTIR analysis revealed that the available functional groups in the biochars were O-H, C-H, C=C, and C=O. The C content and C/N ratio of biochar increased with increasing pyrolysis temperature; however, H, O, N, H/C, and O/C decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature. The dominant element content of avocado seed biochar is K2O, P2O5, and SO3, categorized as macronutrients. Through this analysis, the biochar from avocado seeds has the potential to serve as a soil amendment.