Leaching of inorganic and organic matter from biomass and biochars under various conditions: equilibrium, kinetics and implications

Abstract

This thesis investigates into the leaching phenomena in various biomass thermochemical processes. For biomass water leaching, the leachate is acidic and can interact with biomass. A method has therefore been devised for quantifying water-soluble inorganic species in biomass. For biochar leaching, partial steam gasification of biochar at low conversions is a good strategy to facilitate nutrients recycling. For biomass leaching in hot-compressed water, substantial leaching of inorganic species takes place during the hydrolysis of saccharides.