Estimation of Poultry Litter and Its Biochar Production Potential Through Pyrolysis in Qatar

Abstract

One of the primary sources of waste in Qatar is animal waste, which includes poultry litter. Annually, Qatar produces approximately 0.83 x 106 t of poultry litter. Consequently, there is a need for a more sustainable waste treatment approach to handle it. Hence, this study's principal objective is to investigate the suitability of poultry litter as a feedstock for pyrolysis, with a specific emphasis on its potential for biochar generation. The physicochemical evaluations of poultry litter were performed. The potential for biochar formation from poultry litter was assessed using empirical equations at two different pyrolysis temperatures, namely 250 °C and 500 °C. Additionally, an economic analysis was conducted in order to ascertain the potential revenue generated by biochar derived from poultry litter. The composition of poultry litter, characterised by a moderate volatile content of 60 % and a fixed carbon content of 16 %, along with a moderate higher heating value (HHV) of 16 MJ/kg, indicates its potential suitability as a highly suitable feedstock material for biochar generation through pyrolysis. According to the findings of the technical analysis, biochar yields of up to 50 % and 31 % can potentially be achieved at 250 °C and 500 °C, respectively. Moreover, the findings of the study indicate that Qatar has the capacity to generate up to 0.35 x 106 t of biochar annually from its poultry litter. Additionally, the economic analysis suggests that the country can generate annual revenue of about 69 x 106 USD from the selling of biochar.