Back into the Circle: A Spectroscopic and Mycological Study on the Strength of Biochar derived from Naturally Decayed Wood
Student/in: Clara Mühlegger, BSc
Termin: 25.06.2025, 15:00 Uhr
Ort: Seminarraum Biologie (Foyer)
1. Prüfer/in: Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Sabine Podmirseg
2. Prüfer/in: Prof. Dr. Angela Hofmann
Vorsitzende/r: Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Andreas Wagner
Interessierte Kolleginnen und Kollegen sind herzlich willkommen!
Abstract
Nowadays waste wood or forest wood residues are used for energy generation if not recycled directly. Partially decomposed wood cannot be recycled due to the loss of quality and strength properties, hence important resources are left untapped. In this project, residual forest wood, is to be converted into charcoal via Pyrolysis. This product can then be used in wastewater treatment plants for water filtration or in agriculture, increasing water storage capacity, improving yields and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, playing an important role in fighting climate change.
This study aims at closing the knowledge gap regarding the influence of different wood decomposition stages of Picea abies on biochar characteristics. The project will compare chemical and gravimetric fiber analysis with non-destructive near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) to determine if NIR can effectively be a quick quality assessment in field to set optimal pyrolysis parameters in the future.