Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Biochar from Swine Manure: An Alternative for Nutrient Recovery and Slow-Release Fertilization.
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Nascimento LA et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Agricultural Engineering · Brazil
Abstract
The production of swine manure (SM) biochar was optimized to improve the nutrient recovery. SM was activated with KOH, HCl, or MgCl<sub>2</sub> at different ratios (1:1 and 3:1, v/w) and carbonized at 400, 600, and 800 °C. Results showed that MgCl<sub>2</sub>-activated biochar at 800 °C (3:1) showed enhanced production (84.9%) and the highest phosphate adsorption (2.93 mg g<sup>-1</sup>) and ammonium adsorption (1.27 mg g<sup>-1</sup>). Adsorption followed Langmuir isotherm for phosphate (q<sub>m</sub> = 67.56 mg g<sup>-1</sup>) and Freundlich for ammonium (q<sub>m</sub> = 17.48 mg g<sup>-1</sup>). Adsorption kinetics indicated that phosphate uptake was best described by the Elovich model (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.99), while ammonium followed pseudo-second order kinetics (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.90), suggesting distinct but predominantly chemisorption-controlled mechanisms. Desorption tests showed a limited solubility of phosphate in water and partial ammonium release, supporting the use of biochar as a slow-release fertilizer. Overall, MgCl<sub>2</sub>-activated biochar at 800 °C proved to be the most effective condition, combining high adsorption capacity with nutrient release potential, highlighting its value for sustainable nutrient recovery in agriculture.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41835562