Production, characterization, and applications of biochar from olive processing byproducts

dc.contributor.authorHorner, Sean Thomasen
dc.contributor.committeechairFeng, Yimingen
dc.contributor.committeememberOgejo, Jactone Arogoen
dc.contributor.committeememberZarei, Mohammaden
dc.contributor.committeememberHuang, Haiboen
dc.contributor.departmentBiological Systems Engineeringen
dc.date.accessioned2025-06-07T08:05:12Zen
dc.date.available2025-06-07T08:05:12Zen
dc.date.issued2025-05-22en
dc.description.abstractOlive oil production generates several byproducts, including olive mill wastewater, olive pomace, and olive pit. While olive pomace is frequently utilized as cattle feed valued at $10-$50 per ton, this project explores an integrated valorization strategy converting olive pomace into polyphenols, biochar, and biogas. Biochar derived from olive byproducts was evaluated as an adsorption agent for treating olive mill wastewater, measuring parameters including chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), and total phosphorus. The lead adsorption efficiency of these biochar products was also assessed in lead nitrate solution, with kinetic models revealing adsorption mechanisms. Additionally, soil amendment trials were conducted through laboratory incubation using soil with 1% biochar, and the conductivity and pH were monitored at 15days, 30days, and 45days. Results demonstrated that biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C and 600 °C reduced COD by up to 35.7%, TOC by up to 21.3% and total phosphorus by up to 60.2%, though less effectively than commercial biochar. The olive byproduct biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C and 600 °C effectively adsorbed lead ions in lead nitrate solutions with maximum adsorption capacities ranging from 47 to 116 mg Pb2+/g biochar. The biochar increased soil pH by up to 1.6 units and conductivity by up to 246%. This study establishes a foundation for valorizing olive oil manufacturing byproducts into biochar for environmental remediation applications.en
dc.description.abstractgeneralOlive oil production generates several byproducts, including olive mill wastewater and olive pomace. Olive pomace is commonly used as a low value cattle feed; however, its properties lend to potential development of value-added byproducts. Olive mill wastewater's high organic and nutrient make it a hazard when it is introduced into the environment. Organic load inputs require a great amount of oxygen for decomposition which can deplete dissolved oxygen content of water systems. Nutrient inputs into water systems can lead to overgrowth of algae and vegetation, resulting in a disruptive water system effect known eutrophication. Biochar, a carbon rich material with adsorptive capabilities, is formed via a thermochemical conversion known as pyrolysis. Biochar derived from olive pomace was evaluated as an adsorbent for treating olive mill wastewater, measuring parameters including chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), and total phosphorus. Similarly, the ability of the produced biochar to adsorb lead was also assessed by allowing biochar to react with lead solutions in maximum adsorption and kinetic experiments. Additionally, laboratory soil amendment trials were conducted to monitor indications of soil fertility, specifically pH and electrical conductivity. Results demonstrated that most biochar products pyrolyzed at 300 °C and 600 °C reduced COD, TOC and total phosphorus though less effectively than commercial biochar. The olive byproduct biochar products effectively adsorbed lead ions, comparatively with other non-modified biochar adsorption literature findings. Biochar amendment by certain olive oil byproduct biochar increased pH and electrical conductivity in soil. This study establishes a foundation for converting olive oil manufacturing byproducts into biochar for environmental remediation applications.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Scienceen
dc.format.mediumETDen
dc.identifier.othervt_gsexam:44015en
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10919/135414en
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subjectbiocharen
dc.subjectolive pomaceen
dc.subjectolive mill wastewateren
dc.subjectleaden
dc.subjectadsorptionen
dc.titleProduction, characterization, and applications of biochar from olive processing byproductsen
dc.typeThesisen
thesis.degree.disciplineBiological Systems Engineeringen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen

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