Full Project Title: Converting hardwoods from forest thinning operation into biochar for heavy metal adsorption

Project Identification Number:  WIU16

This project focuses on producing and testing biochars made from specific hardwood tree species with different anatomical structures. Some research will take place in a laboratory, and the team will use a CharBoss air curtain burner to make biochars in the field. 

Biochars have different physical and chemical properties. These properties affect whether a biochar and a heavy metal will bind to each other in a process known as adsorption. 

Biochar can be made from woody materials that do not have other markets. Biochar is a promising material because it can be used as a soil amendment and has great potential for mitigating heavy metal contamination. 

This project will lead to better understanding of what makes biochars effective. The team will analyze different biochars to compare their electrostatic interactions, surface sorption, cation/ion exchange capacity, pH, and other factors associated with better adsorption such as surface area and pore size.   

This project was funded ​​through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Provision 40804(b)(3).