An innovative circular model for recycling the wastes into biochar using distillation units

An innovative circular model was examined for the production of biochar in an ash pit (with 432 L volume and 350 degrees-450 degrees temperature) of essential oil distillation unit using different easily farm available feedstocks (13) for the sustainable use of resources and recycling of biomass and animal waste. The study demonstrated that residence time of 120 min was more suitable for biochar production as compared to 180 and 240 min. The biochar produced had 39-60% of yield, alkaline pH, 0.26-1.63 gm(-3) bulk density, 11-78% water holding capacity, and 15-124 meq/100 g cation exchange capacity. Biochars from animal waste have greater potential for fertilizer supplements while distilled waste-derived biochar and crop residue can be more effective for carbon sequestration and reduction in greenhouse emissions. The estimated benefits to cost ratio was $54 to 2174 for soil application and $32-982 for selling purposes, hence could be sustainable and profitable for the farmers and aroma industry.