Optimized pyrolysis of chicken manure waste in a fixed bed reactor: sustainable production and environmental applications of raw and activated biochar

Abstract Managing chicken farming waste is quite difficult due to its potential environmental impacts. To address these issues and promote sustainable poultry farming, effective waste management strategies are essential. In this regard, converting waste into biochar (BC) provides an eco-friendly solution for environmental remediation processes. In this study, chicken manure waste derived biochar was produced within a fixed bed reactor, employing the optimal pyrolysis conditions (440 °C, 7 °C/min, and 115 min) determined through Response Surface Methodology based on Central Composite Design. Subsequently, this solid product underwent activation using two distinct chemical agents (HCl and KOH). Characterized biochar products were investigated for a range of applications, including energy conversion, gas emission control, CO 2 capture, and the removal of dyestuff from aqueous solutions-each of which is vital for protecting water resources, reducing pollution, mitigating climate change, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The CO 2 adsorption capacities of Raw-BC, KOH-BC and HCl-BC products were measured as 27.52, 66.62 and 51.26 mg/g at 25 °C, respectively. The highest CO 2 adsorption capacity of 1.51 mmol/g was achieved with KOH-BC. The Raw-BC had the highest methylene blue removal rate (80%) at 45 °C, pH 4–5, for up to 300 min. When the fuel properties of the raw biochar were compared with different types of coal, it was concluded that this product could be used instead of lignite coal in energy production. As a result, this multifaceted approach showcased the versatility and potential benefits of biochar in diverse environmental and industrial applications.