Comparison properties and adsorption capabilities of different pyrolysis temperature biochar and steam activated biochar derived from empty fruit bunch (EFB) / Muhammad Safuan Abu Bakar

Biochar is a valuable soil amendment which it have potential in improving the soil fertility, can hold carbon in soil and helps soils in retaining nutrients and water. This case study was conducted at soil laboratory, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Malacca), Jasin Campus. Objectives of this research are to determine the chemical properties of empty fruit bunch (EFB) biochar at different pyrolysis temperature and steam activated biochar, to determine the adsorption study on these biochars, and to compare which the best types of these biochar. Biochars were produced from empty fruit bunch (EFB) by slow pyrolysis process with different level of pyrolysis temperatures (300-400. 400-500, and 500-600°C). Slight amount of biochar from optimum temperature. 400- 500 was activated by steam method. Their chemical properties such as pH, electricity conductivity (EC), total nutrients (P, K, Ca and Mg) were determined were analyzed by conducted dry ashing method. The results show that, the pH value, electricity conductivity (EC) and total nutrients such as P, K, Ca and Mg for EFB biochar were increased when temperature was increased. Cadmium chloride (CdcJ2) and Calcium chloride (CaC12) w as used in conduct adsorption test of these
biochars. Overall, steam activated biochar is more preferred to apply during planting a crop because it has larger size of pore space, thus has higher rate of adsorption of heavy metal such as Cadmium in the soil.