ARS | Publication request: Hydrothermal carbonization of animal wastes for carbon sequestration and energy generation

Submitted to: American Chemical Society National Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 18, 2009
Publication Date: March 21, 2010
Citation: Flora, J., Ro, K.S., Bae, S., Berge, N.D. 2010. Hydrothermal carbonization of animal wastes for carbon sequestration and energy generation [abstract]. Presentation at the 239th American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition, March 21-25, 2010, San Francisco, California.

Technical Abstract: Hydrothermal carbonization of swine manure and poultry litter was conducted at 200°C for 20 hours at a 4:1 water:feedstock ratio. Carbon content of the solid, liquid and gas-phases was measured to determine the mass of carbon sequestered within the biochar. Carbon mass recoveries ranged from 95-100%. Results indicate the solid phase retains the majority of the carbon (approximately 70% of the carbon), suggesting that HTC may be effective for biochar production and carbon sequestration. The final gas was composed primarily of CO2 with trace amounts of H2 and CH4 and accounted for approximately 2% of the initial carbon mass. The energy content of the carbonized swine solids was 22703 KJ/kg (feedstock is 17068 kJ/kg), while the energy content of carbonized poultry litter was 11729 kJ/kg (equivalent to feedstock). These results suggest HTC of animal wastes is a means to effectively sequester carbon, while producing a feedstock for subsequent energy generation.