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Updated: May 24, 2026
09:39
Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
Activated carbon and biochar amendments decrease pore-water concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Patryk Oleszczuk1, Sarah E Hale, Johannes Lehmann
1Department of Environmental Engineering, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute NGI, Oslo, Norway. patryk.oleszczuk@up.lublin.pl
Bioresource Technology
|March 7, 2012
Summary
Activated carbon (AC) and biochar effectively reduce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sewage sludge. AC demonstrated greater PAH reduction than biochar, highlighting its potential for wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants found in sewage sludge.
- Reducing freely dissolved PAH concentrations is crucial for sludge management and environmental safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of biochar and activated carbon (AC) in reducing PAH concentrations in sewage sludge.
- To compare the performance of different types of biochar and AC.
Main Methods:
- Two biochar types (MSB, PMW) and two AC types (CP1, BP2) were added to sewage sludge.
- Freely dissolved PAH concentrations were measured after varying mixing times (7-d, 30-d, 60-d).
Main Results:
- Both AC and biochar significantly decreased freely dissolved PAH concentrations.
- AC achieved reductions of 56%-95%, while biochar achieved 0%-57%, depending on the dose.
- Biochar effectiveness showed a significant difference between short (7-d) and long (30/60-d) mixing times.
Conclusions:
- Activated carbon and biochar are effective in lowering PAH concentrations in sewage sludge pore water.
- Activated carbon, though more expensive and not carbon-negative, exhibited superior PAH reduction capabilities compared to biochar.
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