POSTER PRESENTER:
http://tinyurl.com/2024WSC-Aleladia
CO-AUTHORS: Brian Ohsowski and Shane Lishawa, Loyola University Chicago; Thomas Marrero, Wakefield Biochar
TITLE: Investigating the effect of invasive plants derived biochar on heavy metal adsorption
ABSTRACT: Urban wetlands face heavy metal accumulation from road runoff, posing risks to larger water bodies. Invasive plants like hybrid cattail, often employed as hyperaccumulators in urban wetlands, produce excess biomass, leading to contaminant re-deposition upon decay. Biochar efficiently absorbs heavy metals, but there is limited exploration of using invasive plant-derived biochar to address heavy metal accumulation in wetlands. This study focuses on assessing the heavy metal adsorption efficiency of three distinct biochar feedstocks. The primary aim is to determine the optimal biochar feedstock type and application rate to diminish heavy metal accumulation in wetland ecosystems, thereby mitigating downstream pollution. The study replicates wetland conditions in a greenhouse at Loyola University Chicago, employing biochar sourced from Typha × glauca (hybrid cattail), Phragmites australis (common reed), and Rhamnus cathartica (European buckthorn), each pyrolyzed at 500°C and applied in seven replicates at rates of 0, 10, and 25 t/ha. Midway through the study, live cattails rhizomes were introduced to assess their hyperaccumulation potential in the biochar environment. Data collection in this ongoing study involves periodic analyses of soil, biochar, and plant, utilizing methods such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to comprehensively assess heavy metal content and distinct biochar quality. The study's hypothesis suggests that T. × glauca biochar will demonstrate superior heavy metal adsorption due to distinctions in chemical composition, functional groups concentrations, and structural variations that significantly impact adsorption efficiency.
BIO: Blessing Aleladia is an experienced environmental scientist with more than four years of specialization in soil and bioremediation projects. Her recent focus has shifted towards wetland invasive plant management, where she excels in crafting and implementing effective strategies, contributing significantly to the sustainability and resilience of wetland ecosystems.