Life-cycle assessment of pyrolysis processes for sustainable production of biochar from agro-residues

Zhu, X., Labianca, C., He, M., Luo, Z., Wu, C., You, S. and Tsang, D. C.W. (2022) Life-cycle assessment of pyrolysis processes for sustainable production of biochar from agro-residues. Bioresource Technology, 360, 127601. (doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127601) (PMID:35835419)

Abstract

Net carbon management of agro-residues has been an important pathway for reducing the environmental burdens of agricultural production. Converting agro-residues into biochar through pyrolysis is a prominent management strategy for achieving carbon neutrality in a circular economy, meeting both environmental and social concerns. Based on the latest studies, this study critically analyzes the life cycle assessment (LCA) of biochar production from different agro-residues and compares typical technologies for biochar production. Although a direct comparison of results is not always feasible due to different functional units and system boundaries, the net carbon sequestration potential of biochar technology is remarkably promising. By pyrolyzing agro-residues, biochar can be effectively produced and customized as: (i) alternative energy source, (ii) soil amendment, and (iii) activated carbon substitution. The combination of life cycle assessment and circular economy modelling is encouraged to achieve greener and sustainable biochar production.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (WK2090000037), Hong Kong Environment and Conservation Fund (Project 104/2021), and Hong Kong Scholar Program (XJ2020022).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: You, Dr Siming
• Authors: Zhu, X., Labianca, C., He, M., Luo, Z., Wu, C., You, S., and Tsang, D. C.W.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Bioresource Technology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0960-8524
• ISSN (Online): 1873-2976
• Published Online: 11 July 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
• First Published: First published in Bioresource Technology 360: 127601
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy