Thermally altered biomass (biochar) is a promising alternative for remediation of heavy metals from urban runoff. Yet, many questions remain regarding the feasibility and reliability of such efforts. �Biochar� has been used as a catch-all for thermally altered biomass, yet individual materials are likely to vary significantly as a function of the type and quality of feedstock material and processing techniques. We have pyrolyzed Douglas Fir chips and hazelnut shells, two common waste-biomass products in Oregon, at temperatures ranging from 300 � 700 C. These materials are being characterized with respect to their physico-chemical properties (e.g., surface area, surface charge, chemical functionality, cation exchange capacity, etc.) and the kinetics and equilibrium capacity for copper removal from simulated stormwater. Figure 1 illustrates the equilibrium adsorption capacity of a gasification char (Biochar B) produced commercially using Douglas Fir chips as compared to Calgon F400 Activated Carbon. Biochar B shows superior removal despite a surface area nearly half that of the activated carbon (630 m2/g vs. 1730 m2/g). These results highlight the need to more fully characterize these materials. Understanding the mechanisms of copper removal and the effects of feedstock and production conditions on the resultant biochar properties is key to the successful implementation of biochar as a robust and reliable technique. Figure 1. <img src='https://acs-archive-assets2.s3.amazonaws.com/241nm/uploads/68818_acs2011apoesantanu.jpg' alt='' />Figure 1. Adsorption isotherm results for a Douglas Fir gasification char and commercial activated carbon (F400)

Copper remediation using thermally altered biomass: Effects of feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature

248th National Meeting (2014)

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