A minimum viable reactor for pyrolysis in wood-burning stoves: Bamboo biochar as a potential social alternative in Brazil for domestic fertilizer production and carbon sequestration

The production of bamboo charcoal in minimum viable reactors, made from reused paint cans and placed inside wood-burning stoves, represents an innovative and frugal solution for carbon sequestration in the form of biochar. We explore the potential of this approach in Brazil, a country with a strong tradition of using wood-burning stoves for cooking, and then discuss the implications of domestic biochar production for mitigating global warming. We also examine the social, environmental and agricultural benefits of small-scale bamboo biochar production in wood-burning stoves, including the use of the biochar as a fertilizer for gardens and backyards through soil incorporation, aimed at enhancing fertility and storing carbon over long periods. Each batch produced an average of 80 g of bamboo biochar with a carbonization time of 30 minutes. Based on the projection of 14 million Brazilian households using wood stoves, if this simple yet efficient technology was adopted it could sequester more than 200,000 tonnes of carbon annually in the form of biochar. • Innovative and Socially Accessible Solution; The integration of bamboo biochar production with food cooking in wood stoves is a practical and accessible technology for economically disadvantaged communities. • Environmental Benefits; The production of biochar and its use as a fertilizer contribute to carbon sequestration and soil improvement, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting more sustainable agricultural and waste management practices. • Economic and Social Impact; The frugal technology presented in the form of minimally viable reactors for homemade biochar production can empower over 14 million Brazilian families, enabling them to produce a valuable agricultural input while aiding in the fight against climate change. • Improved Energy Efficiency; The integration of biochar production with food cooking in wood stoves enhances the system's thermal efficiency while reducing gaseous emissions in the artisanal production of charcoal. • Potential for Large-Scale Carbon Storage; If widely adopted in Brazil, this simple technology could sequester over 200,000 tons of carbon annually, significantly contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.