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Updated: May 30, 2026
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Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
Qualitative analysis of volatile organic compounds on biochar
Kurt A Spokas1, Jeffrey M Novak, Catherine E Stewart
1United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Soil and Water Management Unit, Saint Paul, MN, USA. kurt.spokas@ars.usda.gov
Chemosphere
|July 27, 2011
Summary
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on biochar vary greatly depending on production methods, not feedstock. Characterizing these VOCs is crucial for predicting biochar
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sorbed on biochar can influence plant and microbial processes in soil.
- Understanding VOC composition is key to predicting biochar's agroecosystem effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively identify and characterize sorbed VOCs on a diverse range of biochars.
- To investigate the influence of feedstock and production conditions on VOC composition.
Main Methods:
- Headspace thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
- Analysis of over 70 biochars from various feedstocks and production processes.
Main Results:
- Biochars exhibited diverse sorbed VOC profiles, with over 140 compounds identified.
- Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and fast pyrolysis biochars generally contained more VOCs.
- Production temperature and conditions (e.g., oxygen presence) significantly impacted VOC types and quantities, rather than feedstock.
Conclusions:
- Sorbed VOC composition in biochar is highly variable and strongly linked to production parameters.
- The chemical dissimilarity of VOCs may explain varied plant and microbial responses to biochar amendments.
- VOC characterization prior to land application is recommended to anticipate agroecosystem impacts.
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