BIOCHAR

The main goal of this research was to explore the effectiveness of slow pyrolysis of sawdust in generating high-quality biochar with beneficial characteristics for different uses, such as soil improvement and water purification. By adjusting the pyrolysis temperature and duration, the study sought to identify the ideal conditions for producing biochar with improved physicochemical properties. Sawdust, an abundant byproduct of the timber industry, underwent slow pyrolysis in a low-oxygen environment. The process was carried out at various temperatures, ranging from 400°C to 700°C, to evaluate how temperature affects both the yield and characteristics of the resulting biochar. The produced biochar was analyzed through several techniques, such as surface area measurement, pH analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett- Teller (BET) analysis, iodine number assessment, and yield percentage evaluation. The research revealed that slow pyrolysis of sawdust produced high-quality biochar with desirable characteristics. The biochar showed elevated carbon content, a porous structure, and an almost neutral pH, making it well-suited for use in agriculture and water purification. Both laboratory and field experiments confirmed that biochar effectively enhanced soil quality, boosted water retention, and improved nutrient availability. The research also showed that up to 55% of the material could be converted into solid biochar, while the rest was produced as bio-oil and syngas. These results emphasize the sustainable and versatile advantages of utilizing slow pyrolysis of sawdust for biochar production.