Abstract:

Biochar is most accurately characterized by the set of analytical methods that have been proposed by the International Biochar Initiative and the European Biochar Certificate. However, the full suite of these tests can be very expensive. For purposes of carbon removal verification in small, artisanal biochar projects, it is preferable to draw conservative values from a database of characterized biochar made from known feedstocks and production methods. However, to minimize reliance on conservative default values, it is beneficial to include a regular program of sampling and testing to verify the mass fractions of biochar moisture, carbon and mineral ash components. To facilitate access to testing like this, it is possible to employ students, using comparatively simple lab equipment available at schools to conduct these analyses. In this paper, we describe a methodology for simple biochar component analysis that was tested by students at Butte Community College in California.

General Topic: biochar characterization, carbon removal