Transforming a Global Problem into a Global Solution
From Waste to High Value Products
Biochar is a charcoal-like material made from sustainably produced biomass from agricultural and forestry residues. It is produced at high temperatures through a process is called pyrolysis or carbonization. When biomass undergoes pyrolysis, the carbon is rearranged in a stable form with unique properties and applications:
- Soil Amendment
- Carbon Sequestration
- Water Treatment
- Green Concrete
- Medicines
- Electromagnetic Radiation Shielding
- Plugging of Oil And Gas Wells
Soil Amendment
Biochar can improve soil health by increasing water retention, nutrient retention, and drainage, and by reducing nitrogen leaching. It can also help neutralize acidic soils, bind heavy metals, and enhance beneficial soil microbes. Biochar can be used to restore degraded soils, such as those near mining sites.
Carbon Sequestration
Biochar can store carbon for hundreds of years, offsetting its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon in biochar is very stable, taking more than 100 years to break down.
Water Treatment
Biochar's absorbent surface can filter pollutants, including metals, out of water. It can be used in wastewater treatment processes.
Green Concrete
Biochar can be used to make concrete greener by reducing the amount of cement needed, which can lower carbon emissions and the environmental impact of cement production. Biochar can absorb a percentage of its weight in carbon dioxide from the air, and it may continue to do so throughout the concrete's lifecycle. Adding just 1% biochar to concrete by mass could sequester about 20% of the cement industry's annual
CO2 emissions.
Medicines
Biochar can be used as a carrier for active pharmaceutical ingredients, or as a cataplasm or poultice for insect bites, abscesses, and eczema.
Electromagnetic Radiation Shielding
Biochar can be used in microwave ovens, televisions, computers, and other devices to shield against electromagnetic radiation. It can also be used in clothing to protect parts of the body that are sensitive to radiation.
Plugging of Oil and Gas Wells
Pilot programs are underway to study the use of biochar in the plugging of abandoned oil and gas wells.