Biochar From Wastewater Treatment Plant Sludge: Efficiency in the Removal of Hydrocarbons from Contaminated Soil

Diaz Agüero J.A.; Pérez Pérez M.A.; Lizarzaburu-Aguinaga D.; Benites-Alfaro E.; Cabrera Carranza C.; Jave Nakayo J.; Suca-Apaza G.R.; Atuncar Yrribari J.F. · Chemical Engineering Transactions (2025) · DOI: 10.3303/cet25117022

Resumen

Biochar is a carbonaceous material produced by pyrolysis of organic matter, such as wood, agricultural waste, or, in this case, sewage sludge. Biochar is very porous and has a large surface area, making it very efficient at absorbing and retaining contaminants in soil, including hydrocarbons. Using sewage sludge as biochar to remove hydrocarbons from the soil can be an exciting practice in environmental management and the remediation of contaminated soils. At the same time, it is a sustainable solution for managing these wastes, contributing to reducing environmental pollution. The research objective was to determine the efficiency of reducing total petroleum hydrocarbons from contaminated soil using 5, 10, and 20% biochar from sewage sludge. The results of hydrocarbon removal from the light fraction were 99.99%, the medium fraction 54.59%, and the heavy fraction 54.92% after 45 days. In addition, the physicochemical properties of the soil improved. Therefore, using sewage sludge as biochar to remove hydrocarbons from the soil is an effective strategy. Still, it must be carried out cautiously, and appropriate practices must be followed to ensure environmental safety and the highest remediation efficiency. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad César Vallejo