Pyrolytic and hydrothermal carbonization of date palm leaflets: Characteristics and ecotoxicological effects on seed germination of lettuce
Usman, Mohammad I Al-Wabel, Muhammad Imran Rafique, Mahtab Ahmad, Munir Ahmad, Abid Hussain, Adel RA . 2018
Biochar has vital importance as soil additives due to its characteristics, which are responsible for alleviating environmental problems and climate change. These additives should be evaluated to understand their physico-chemical properties and their ecotoxicological effects on plant growth. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) distinguish the properties of biochar produced from date palm and its derivative hydrochar, and (ii) investigate their ecotoxicological effects. Specifically, the biochar and hydrochar were produced from date palm leaflets by pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization, respectively. The produced chars were evaluated for their characteristics before and after water washing, and for their ecotoxicological effects on seed germination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L). The results show that water washing lowered biochar’s pH and increased hydrochar’s pH. Moreover, water washing of hydrochar caused a significant reduction in the total content of essential elements such as Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn. Lettuce germination was significantly inhibited to 20% by hydrochar, whereas biochar enhanced lettuce growth by increasing shoot length (by 51%) and dry biomass (by 114%). Hydrochar toxicity was correlated (R > 0.95 at p = 0.05) with high contents of total polyaromatic hydrocarbons(98.8 mg kg−1). Pre-treatment and assessment of hydrochar should be taken into account prior to application as a soil amendment.
Elevated levels of doxycycline (DC) have been detected in the environment due to its extensive utilization as a veterinary antibiotic. Sorption–desorption behavior of DC in soil affects its…
Application of manure and compost can result in the accumulation of veterinary antibiotics in soil, subsequently posing ecological risks.
Healthy soils ensure food security through sustainable agricultural production and also support in mitigating the climate change hazardous like global warming and greenhouse gases emission.