Biochar, an organic additive for soil amendment, influences to improve soil health, thereby, increasing crop yields and productivity through reduced soil acidity, and minimizing the needs of some chemical and fertilizer inputs (Glaser et al 2002 and Lehmann and Rondon 2006). Lehmann et al (2003), and Steiner et al (undated) further informed of rich moisture after the use of biochar as a soil amendment probably due to sorption property of biochar that retains more water, nutrients and agrochemicals in soils for utilization of crop thus reducing leaching and run-off to ground and surface waters. Although, biochar particles resemble with charcoal, the process of preparing this differs from the formers; and, widely used as a useful ingredient …show more content…
Nature of biochar-soil interactions largely depend on characteristics of biochar, which in turn, are determined by types of feedstock and pyrolyzing mechanisms (moderation of temperatures and oxygen). Biochar applications bring a change in soil structures, texture, porosity, particle size distribution and density, thereby potentially altering air oxygen content, water storage capacity and microbial and nutritional status of the soil within the plant rooting zone (Amonette and Joseph 2009). The suction effects of pores are reported to create favorable environment for enhanced microbial activities due to holding of rich moistures and nutrients (Josheph et al, 2012). Biochar particles when applied in soils do not get decomposed like any other biomass, and exhibit enhanced sorption and cat-ion exchange capacities and alkaline properties that profoundly support healing a number of soil ailments such as acidity, nutrient leaching and poor rates of microbial activity. Properties of biochar fluctuate depending on temperature and air control mechanisms while pyrolysing the biomass (feedstock). In general, slow pyrolysis (low temperature, often between 300 and 600 degree Celsius) biochar is preferred more than fast pyrolysis (high temperature often above 600 degree Celsius). According to Angin and Sensoz, (2014), the processes of biochar formation from various types of biomass are complex and remain
The word “remediate” means to solve a problem, so the word “bioremediation” refers to the use of biological organisms to solve an environmental problem. Bacteria, fungi, protists and other microorganisms in a non-polluted environment are constantly breaking down organic matter, and when the soil is polluted, some of the organisms may die, but others will still be able to break down the pollutants. Bioremediation provides organisms that can consume the pollutants with fertilizer, oxygen, and other conditions to encourage the rapid growth of these organisms. They then would be able to break down the organic pollutants at a correspondingly faster rate. There are two general ways in which bioremediation functions. One way is where specific survival conditions of a microorganism living in the soil are enhanced to increase the rate of a pollutant’s degradation. The second way is when specialized microbes are added to degrade the contaminant. This way is less common. For many types of polluted soil, bioremediation provides an excellent method of clean-up, but in some cases the pollutant is toxic even for the microbes. These pollutants include metals such as cadmium or lead, and salts such as sodium chloride. Although it may not work in all cases, bioremediation is considerably easier than other methods because it enhances the functions that the microbes already carry out in the soil. Along with being easier, it can be much less expensive because the soil does not have to be pumped out of the ground for treatment (Environmental Inquiry-Bioremediation). Serratia Marcescens is a bacterium that is commonly used for bioremediation.
... and soil scientist at the USDA Agricultural Research Service Corn stover has been historically left in the field as cover to reduce soil erosion and for conserving soil nutrient contents. The immediate environmental concern of using corn stover for biofuel production is soil erosion. In addition, when we take a look at the big picture, the 0 carbon emission theory is wrong, as it does not take into account the vast amount of carbon released into the atmosphere from land conversion. Global warming is inevitable. The disadvantages definitely outweigh the advantages.
al. 1996). this dense produce is more thermally unbalanced than mulch or coal, mainly as of grass biomass. Little warming degrees and extensive residence eras will decrease the reactivity of the burn. On the other hand, great heating rates give to upsurge the reactivity of the subsequent char, creating it advanced appropriate for more thermal usage for example gasification or combustion (Hallgren, et. al. 1996).
Today, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used in many different products across the world. According to the APHA (2011), the material can be found in toys, medical supplies, floors, and even food wrapping. (p. 1) I believe that this material has made it possible for a lot of products to be made that have benefited the human population, but I believe there are many drawbacks to using this material.
For backyard grillers across the entire nation, there is really one simple, fundamental question that each must answer. That question is this: Gas grill or charcoal grill? There are many things that a person can take into consideration when making this choice. Is convenience the most sought after asset, or are you a lover of the process of starting and taming the fire? Is a quick and easy experience and clean up worth risking the quality taste that could be gained? This question does not have a finite answer, but there are many markers along the way that can point towards the direction of what side best suits the griller's needs. Although there are perks in each type of grill, a charcoal grill provides a more enjoyable taste than a gas grill
DEQ. (2013). Environmental Cleanup. Retrieved from Oregon Department of Envriornmental Quality: natural bioremediation; soil vapour and water extraction; activated carbon treatment of emissions
Acid rain affects many different things and is very harmful to the environment. One aspect of the environment that is greatly affected by acid rain is soil. Acidic rain makes its way into the soil by rain falling off the branches and leaves to the soil below. Water runs through the soil on its way to different bodies of water. A process called buffering is used to neutralize acids using the base nutrients (including calcium and magnesium) found in soil (Tyson, 1992). This process helps soil resist the effects of acid rain.
Coal is one of the world’s most abundant fossil fuels. Coal was formed during the Carboniferous Period when dead plant material was buried and subjected to high pressure and heat. Coal is classified by moisture content and composition. There are four d...
Landfills are being overrun with more than 15 million tons of discarded plastic a year. What if I told you there was a better way? Currently, many of our plastics such as bottles, packaging, and furniture are petroleum-based plastics. And while we do our best to recycle, this plastic is not completely biodegradable. I think there is a better choice, and that choice being polyhydroxybutyrate also known as PHB. “PHB is a product of bacteria storing carbon and energy in molecules of glycogen, which is polymer of glucose molecules or lipid.” (p.72) With little chemical alteration, PHB can be the “green” plastic that replaces petroleum-based plastics.
Stated by The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th Ed. It is said that “Charcoal is a substance obtained by partial burning or carbonization (destructive distillation) of organic material, a charcoal is largely pure carbon.” In addition, The Columbia Encyclopedia said that the entry of air during the carbonization process is controlled so that the organic material does not turn to ash, as in a conventional fire, but decomposes to form charcoal.
Alternative energy sources are renewable, and is most commonly referred to as free energy sources. There are many alternative energy sources such as hydro power, solar power, wind, biomass, and geothermal. Using alternative sources is more expensive in the long run, but it is the much safer option for our environment compared to fossil fuels. Although everything used is completely free, such as water and wind, the equipment used to generate these things are expensive. There are several pros and cons that come with the utilization of alternative energy sources.
Composting is the process of biodegrading the waste material in which an enormous number of materials like hydrocarbons, nitrogenous compounds, acids, their derivatives and even other organic and inorganic substances can be remediated from the environment (Finstein et al., 1986). Compost pro...
Biodiesel is a clean burning renewable fuel made by various mix of agricultural oils, recycled cooking oil and animal fats. It is intended to be used as a substitute for diesel fuel, or can be blended with diesel fuel in any proportion. Biodiesel can be used in almost any diesel engine with slight alteration and no damage to the engine. As it has lower toxicity and safer to handle compared to diesel fuel, it constructs green jobs and improving our environment.
Phytoextraction is the uptake and storage of pollutants in the plants stem or leaves. Some plants, called hyperaccumulators, draw pollutants through the roots. After the pollutants accumulate in the stem and leaves the plants are harvested. Then plants can be either burned or sold. Even if the plants cannot be used, incineration and disposal of the plants is still cheaper than traditional remediation methods. As a comparison, it is estimated a site containing 5000 tons of contaminated soil will produce only 20-30 tons of ash (Black, 1995). This method is particularly useful when remediating metals. Some metals are also being recycled from the ash.
The concept of this essay is to stress that biofuels are a viable and sustainable energy source than fossil fuels, showing its advantages but not ignoring its disadvantages which also enlightens us about the cleaner and renewable natural resources. Biofuels is an alternative source of energy which can end the global dependence on fossil fuels.