Project funded by the National Science Centre (NCN) under the “OPUS 30” call
Project number: 2025/59/B/ST10/02562
Total project value: 404,216 PLN
Total funding: 404,216 PLN
Project value for PORT: 138,470 PLN
Total funding for PORT: 138,470 PLN
Project leader on behalf of SGGW: Dr. Eng. Ewa Syguła
Project leader: Prof. Andrzej Białowiec
Project Consortium:
1. Warsaw University of Life Sciences – Leader
2. Łukasiewicz Research Network – PORT Polish Center for Technology Development
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of biomass, a process in which organic matter thermally degradates in the absence of oxygen. Owing to its ability to store carbon over long periods and its potential applications in agriculture and soil restoration, biochar is widely regarded as a promising tool for climate change mitigation and the circular economy. At the same time, growing evidence suggests that assessing biochar quality requires consideration not only of its beneficial properties but also of its potential chemical contaminants.
Particular attention is being drawn to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may be released from biochar after production or during storage. Although current certification systems address selected contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), there are still no clear standards for evaluating the environmental risks associated with VOC emissions. Recent studies have shown that the occurrence of these compounds cannot be predicted solely on the basis of pyrolysis temperature.
This project aims to establish new foundations for assessing biochar environmental safety through the application of an innovative indicator, Carbon Relative Molar Mass (CRMM). Calculated from the elemental composition of a material, CRMM reflects the degree of carbon transformation during pyrolysis. Preliminary analyses suggest that this parameter may be linked to the formation of potentially hazardous volatile organic compounds.
The research will investigate both natural plant biomasses and model mixtures composed of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The resulting biochars will undergo comprehensive chemical and structural characterization, including analyses of elemental composition, surface area, porosity, functional groups, and volatile organic compound emissions.
A key component of the project is the use of advanced data analysis methods, including decision tree modelling, to identify complex relationships between feedstock properties, processing conditions, and the environmental safety of the final product. Integrating chemical, structural, and emission-related data will enable the development of the first scientific “biochar safety map”, capable of predicting both material stability and potential environmental risks.
The project is expected to provide new insights into the mechanisms governing biochar safety and may contribute to the development of future quality standards and certification frameworks. Ultimately, the results will support the safe and sustainable use of biochar in environmental and agricultural applications.
