Microbial interactions with anthropogenic pyrogenic carbon in soils and wastewater
A Warren Distinguished Lecture with
Sebastian Behrens
Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering
University of Minnesota
Abstract
Biochar is a carbon-rich, charcoal-like product created by heating biomass (such as wood, manure or crop residues) in a low-oxygen environment, with a primary use as a soil amendment. Biochar is one of the oldest soil amendments in the history of agriculture. However, with the advent of modern agro-chemistry, the agronomic value of biochar fell rapidly into oblivion. Only in the last decade, as biochar came into focus as carbon sequestration strategy, was it’s function as soil amendment and nutrient carrier rediscovered. Soil and plant responses to addition of biochar depend on many variables, including feedstock and pyrolysis temperature, application rate and method, and application context (crop, soil type, and environmental and biological stresses). Considering the heterogeneous nature of biochar and the complexity of the physical, biochemical, and microbiological processes underpinning the effects of biochar, a wide range of responses to biochar application have been reported. Many of the reported responses of environmental systems to biochar amendment are mediated on the microscale through the interaction of microorganisms with biochar surfaces. However, biochar changes when it is aging in the environment through interactions with minerals, microbes, and soil organic matter. In this presentation, Behrens highlights his research on biochar–microbe interactions in soil and water and how they can impact microbial nutrient cycling and contaminant degradation processes. He presents data on how biochar and microbial processes impact each other and how this can help us to better understand biochar’s role in managing soil quality and soil/water remediation efforts. Finally, he discusses the need to develop guidelines on selecting and producing biochar formulations to meet specific soil and environmental constraints.
Speaker
Sebastian Behrens is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering at the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on the intersection of microbial ecology, environmental biotechnology, and biochar-based remediation technologies. The Behrens group studies how microbial communities can be leveraged to remove contaminants, recover resources, and improve the sustainability of engineered environmental systems. Recent research in the Behrens lab is using microbial processes and engineered materials such as biochar to address emerging environmental challenges, including contaminant degradation, nutrient management, microplastic pollution, and sustainable water treatment.
