Production and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Biochar Derived from Orange Peel

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of organic waste, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential applications in agriculture, environmental remediation, and carbon sequestration. In this study, citrus peel fruit waste was used as a feedstock for biochar production via pyrolysis. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of pyrolysis temperature on the physical and chemical characteristics of biochar produced from citrus peel fruit waste and to explore its potential as a soil amendment. The citrus peel fruit waste was collected from local juice shops and dried in an oven at 80°C for 24 hours. The dried waste was then ground into a fine powder and pyrolyzed at different temperatures (300°C, 400°C and 500°C) in a pyrolyser reactor. The resulting biochar samples were characterized using various analytical techniques including proximate analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the pyrolysis temperature significantly affected the physical and chemical properties of the biochar. The biochar produced at 500°C had the highest ash content (10.6%) and pH (10.2). The FTIR analysis revealed the presence of functional groups such as carboxylic acids, alcohols, and aromatic compounds in all biochar samples. The biochar produced from citrus peel fruit waste showed promising characteristics, making it a potential soil amendment for agricultural use. Its high carbon content and surface area could increase soil fertility and enhance water and nutrient retention. The alkaline nature of biochar could also improve soil pH and reduce soil acidity. Furthermore, the presence of functional groups in the biochar could increase soil organic matter and provide a habitat for beneficial microorganisms. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of citrus peel fruit waste as a feedstock for biochar production via pyrolysis. The biochar produced at different temperatures showed varying physical and chemical properties, highlighting the importance of controlling pyrolysis conditions to produce biochar with desired characteristics. Further research is needed to explore the effects of biochar application on soil properties and crop growth. Overall, biochar production from citrus peel fruit waste can provide an environmentally friendly solution for managing organic waste and improving soil health.

Vaishnavi Sharma1, Aditya Mohan2, Prtyanshi Noel3 and Anita Singh*4 Click here to download file

Research Article | Published online : 29-Feb-2024