Determination of organic compounds in biochar produced by microwave torrefaction of biomass

The thesis is focused on a determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in dried pelletized sewage sludge and pelletized biochar. Biochars were made in mild conditions by microwave torrefaction of prepared sewage sludge. There were analyzed and quantified the 34 of standardized PAHs compounds in two series. The first serie, also called “Sada 1”, has been aimed at comparison of extraction methods for the chosen sample of sewage sludge and the sample of biochar. In serie “Sada 1”, there were compared efficiencies of chosen type of solvent or solvent mixture by comparison of yields for 34 standardized analytes in a sample of biochar and a sample of sewage sludge. There were compared also to total yields of PAHs and to number of quantified compounds in analyzed samples. The most reliable extraction method has been used for the next analyses of samples in the second serie called “Sada 2”. In Sada 2, there were compared different samples of the same type (e.g. biochar, sludge). The origin of sewage sludge (small or big sewage treatment plant expressed as PE) and used additives (cellulose, chaff, hay) as modificators for torrefaction process were variables for different type of sample. The results of analysis were identification of the most suitable sewage sludge and additive to be used as modificator for microwave torrefaction process. The main goal of correctly chosen sludge and additive was to minimize production of PAH’s during torrefaction and in samples of biochar