INS 10-9 - Biochar granulation enhances plant performance and leachate water quality on a green roof substrate

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT

Location: 520A

Presenting Author(s)

Wenxi Liao, BSc

PhD Candidate
University of Toronto (Forestry and Civil Engineering), Ontario, Canada

Co-author(s)

JD

Jennifer Drake, PhD, PEng.

Associate Professor
Civil and Mineral Engineering Department, University of Toronto
ST

Sean C. Thomas, PhD

Professor
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Biochar has been promoted as an ideal substrate additive on green roofs. However, biochar is susceptible to wind and water erosion. Applications of granulated biochars or large biochar particles may increase biochar erosion resistance, but the effects on plant performance and leachate quality have not been examined. Therefore, we investigated the effects of two types of biochars at a wide particle size range on plant performance and leachate quality. We found that granulated biochars enhanced plant performance and integrated water quality and reduced leachate total suspended solids (TSS). In contrast, unprocessed biochars suppressed plant performance and increased the leachate TSS.