Conversion of Waste Materials enriched with Carbon into Water-soluble Organic Fertilizers

Abstract

Biomass waste is an abundant, renewable, and sustainable resource, derived from various sources like forests, agriculture, and industrial activities. However, its utilization has been limited, with little focus on low-carbon valorization. This work introduces a novel approach to convert wood sawdust, a biomass waste, into 100% water-soluble organic fertilizers through a one-pot thermochemical process. The proposed process involves partial oxidation of chemically-treated biomass waste with controlled gas recycling, producing main products like humic acid and potassium humate, and by-products like fulvic acid and bio-oil. This technique recycles the carbon content of biomass waste back to the soil, with zero CO2 emission, while producing water-soluble organic fertilizers that can stimulate plant growth and contribute to land reclamation. This innovative approach offers a sustainable solution for biomass waste valorization and the production of eco-friendly fertilizers.