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Economic evaluation of woodchip-derived bio-adsorbent production: a case study using a self-sustained pilot-scale
Mohd Hafif Samsudin1, Mohd Zulkhairi Mohd Yusoff2,3, Ahmad Muhaimin Roslan1
1Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Malaysia.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|August 19, 2025
Summary
This study developed a low-energy, self-sustained reactor for producing woodchip biochar, an effective bio-adsorbent for treating landfill leachate. The system offers a cost-effective solution for circular bioeconomy initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Decentralized production of bio-adsorbents is crucial for sustainable waste management.
- Pyrolysis offers a method for converting biomass into valuable materials like biochar.
- Existing methods often require high energy input and capital costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a techno-economic assessment of a novel self-sustained carbonization reactor for woodchip biochar production.
- To evaluate the biochar's performance as an adsorbent for landfill leachate.
- To determine the economic viability and scalability of the proposed system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a pool-type carbonization reactor operating at 300-700 °C with a heating rate of 5-7 °C/min.
- Processed 3-5 tonnes of biomass per 7-day batch, yielding up to 1 tonne of biochar (20 wt.%).
- Assessed biochar adsorptive performance for chemical oxygen demand (COD), total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and ammoniacal nitrogen in landfill leachate.
- Conducted physicochemical characterization (BET surface area, pore size, fixed carbon) and a 10-year economic projection.
Main Results:
- Achieved high removal efficiencies for landfill leachate contaminants: 73.2% COD, 97.3% total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and 768.8% ammoniacal nitrogen.
- Significantly enhanced biochar properties: BET surface area increased to 232.1 m²/g, average pore size reduced to 15.4 nm, and fixed carbon content rose to 72.4%.
- Economic assessment indicated a unit production cost of $394/tonne, with a positive NPV of $36,905, IRR of 94.6%, and ROR of 92.5%.
Conclusions:
- The self-sustained pyrolysis system is a practical and scalable solution for producing effective bio-adsorbents.
- The system's low energy requirements and cost-effectiveness make it suitable for circular bioeconomy implementation, especially in resource-constrained settings.
- This technology offers a competitive alternative to existing biochar production methods, with superior economic returns.
