Biochars synthesized with conventional and microwave heating for VOCs biodegradation

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficiency of biochars obtained from agro-industrial residues by conventional and microwave heating, as support materials in biofilters for the biodegradation of methanol, toluene, and methyl ethyl ketone. Specifically, the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina was used as inoculum in the biochars due to its adaptability to acidic environments and effectiveness in the degradation of organic contaminants. The results showed that biochars do not present native microorganisms, which favored fungal colonization. Also, the B-CN8-C sample (nutshell, carbonized at 320 °C, with a 520 W microwave pulse and without acid activation) achieved removal efficiencies of 99.61% for toluene, 98.82% for methyl ethyl ketone, and 96.98% for methanol, with elimination capacities exceeding 120 kg/m³·d.