From constituent needs to managing multiple departments, such as public safety to waste management, you have a lot on your plate as a municipal leader. At the end of the day, the job of the chief executive of the municipality is to make the community a better place to live for all. That’s where cutting-edge technologies like Biochar, carbon sequestration, and carbon crediting come into play.
At Stircor, we aim to help communities become more sustainable through simple, affordable methods that add to their bottom line, not subtract from it.
Read on to learn more about turning biosolid waste management into a benefit instead of a drain on resources.
Biochar Explained
According to the USDA: Biochar is defined as “the black carbon produced from biomass sources [i.e., wood chips, plant residues, manure, or other agricultural waste products] for the purpose of transforming the biomass carbon into a more stable form (carbon sequestration). Black carbon is the name of the range of solid residual products resulting from the chemical and/or thermal conversion of any carbon-containing material (e.g., fossil fuels and biomass) (Jones et al., 1997). Biochar does not refer to a singular product with a given set of chemical and physical characteristics. Rather, biochar spans the spectrum of black carbon forms (Spokas, 2010) and it is chemically and physically unique as a function of the feedstock, creation process (pyrolysis unit), cooling, and storage conditions.”
However, biochar is not produced through carbon sequestration itself, but rather through a thermal process called pyrolysis or gasification. In this process, organic material is heated in the absence of oxygen, breaking down biomass to form biochar while stabilizing carbon that would otherwise be released as CO₂. This process inherently contributes to carbon sequestration by locking carbon into a solid form.
Stircor combines biosolid drying with gasification/pyrolysis to create a biosolids derived biochar (BDB). Stircor has successfully remediated PFAS to non-detect levels in biosolids via this proprietary process.
Addressing PFAS and Biosolids with Biosolids Derived Biochar Production
As many community leaders and professionals in biosolid processing are aware, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are prevalent in the environment, including human waste. PFAS are persistent chemicals that can pose risks to public health and safety.
While most municipal executives did not sign up to ensure PFAS remediation in their communities, addressing the issue is critical. Similar to inherited problems like lead water pipes or harmful infrastructure, PFAS contamination must be dealt with to protect public health. Fortunately, with modern technologies, there is now a way to treat these invasive and pervasive chemicals.
The Added Benefits of PFAS Remediation and Biosolids-Derived Biochar Production
What’s remarkable about this process is that it not only removes PFAS from biosolid waste but also creates a beneficial product for the community. The end product—biosolid derived biochar—can be used in sustainable agricultural practices, sold to external users, or leveraged as carbon credits, creating a revenue stream for municipalities.
Biochar, when used as a soil amendment, improves soil health in several ways. It enhances water retention, reduces soil acidity, and boosts nutrient availability, making it a valuable tool for sustainable farming practices. Additionally, biochar helps to capture and retain carbon in the soil, contributing to long-term carbon sequestration. This improves crop yields while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
By adopting biosolid drying and gasification technologies, communities are positioned at the forefront of sustainability. These technologies turn a waste management challenge into a sustainable solution, generating new revenue, improving soil health, and enhancing environmental safety.
In essence, removing PFAS, generating revenue, improving soil quality, and ensuring a safe and sustainable municipality creates a win-win-win scenario for what was once a waste problem.