Particulate emission of biochar

The application of biochar as soil amendment in agriculture is widely recognized. This carbon-based material is characterized by several positive aspects in agriculture, however, few information about its fine particles dispersed during its application in the field are known. In this study a quantification of the particulate emissions of the biochar is assessed, using aerosol spectrometer. We measured the particles size distribution of PM10, PM2.5 up to ultrafine UFP of several biochar types came from pelletized and no-pelletized feedstocks. Furthermore, we measured the particulate emissions of biochars related to dry and wet condition. Our results show that the biochar pelletized produces less particulate emission (-77%) than to no-pelletized ones and a markedly decrease (-86.7%) in PM2.5 and UFP in wet biochar compared to those dry. These preliminary results contribute to suggest a safe use of the biochar in agriculture sector.