Evaluation of biochar amended biosolids co-composting to improve the nutrient transformation and its correlation as a function for the production of nutrient-rich compost

• Published in: Bioresource technology 2017-08, Vol.237, p.156-166
• Main Authors: Awasthi, Mukesh Kumar, Wang, Quan, Chen, Hongyu, Wang, Meijing, Ren, Xiuna, Zhao, Junchao, Li, Jiao, Guo, Di, Li, Dong-sheng, Awasthi, Sanjeev Kumar, Sun, Xining, Zhang, Zengqiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioavailable; Biochar; Charcoal; Dewatered fresh sewage sludge; Maturity parameters; Sewage; Soil; Water; Water-soluble nutrients
• ISSN: 0960-8524; 1873-2976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.01.044

[Display omitted] •Influence of biochar addition on nutrient transformation during composting.•Biochar addition improved the water-soluble nutrient contents during composting.•Higher dosage of biochar addition reduced the bioavailability of heavy metals.•Higher dosage of biochar addition reduced the maturity period.•150kgha−1 TKN compost amendments increased the Chinese cabbage biomass. The influence of biochar amended dewatered fresh sewage sludge (DFSS)-wheat straw co-composting on nutrients transformation and end products quality was investigated. This is the first study to examine the biochar applied compost quality with different kgha−1 TKN on Brassica rapa L. growth. Seven mixtures were composted over 8-weeks period in 130-L reactor using the same DFSS with different concentration of biochar (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 12% and 18% on dry weight basis) and without additive added treatment served as control. The results indicated that compost with 8–12% biochar became more humified within 35days of composting, and the compost maturity parameters also showed that this could be much more feasible approach to increased water-soluble nutrients including NO3, DOC, DON, PO43−, K+ and Na+, but bioavailability of Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb content reduced as compared to control. Finally, results showed that 8–12% biochar was recommended for DFSS composting and 150kgha−1 TKN of compost dosages for organic farming.