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Mathematical modeling of biochar's role in elevating co-composted poultry carcass temperatures
Yuchuan Wang1, Neslihan Akdeniz2
1Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.)
|November 17, 2023
Summary
Biochar addition to composting systems enhances microbial activity, leading to increased temperatures. This study quantifies biochar
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Waste Management
Background:
- Previous studies indicate biochar increases compost temperatures.
- The specific mechanisms (microbial activity vs. insulation) remain quantitatively undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess biochar's impact on heat transfer and temperature development in co-composting.
- To differentiate the effects of biochar as a mixture versus a surface insulator.
Main Methods:
- Developed a heat transfer model for biochar-amended co-composting systems.
- Utilized data from prior studies on poultry carcass co-composting with wood-based, distillers grain, and cow manure biochars.
- Simulated the second heating cycle of the composting process.
Main Results:
- Biochar amendment increased thermal conductivity, reducing longitudinal conductive resistance by 24.9% at 13% (v/v) addition.
- Total heat increased by 11.2% due to enhanced microbial activity (38.1-61.1% higher oxygen consumption).
- Surface application of biochar acted primarily as an insulator, increasing heat by 8.7%.
Conclusions:
- Biochar's primary role in increasing compost temperature is through promoting microbial activity.
- The physical placement of biochar (mixed vs. surface) significantly alters its effect on heat generation and insulation.
