Onnu Biochar

Studies show that mixing 10–20% biochar by weight into arid or polluted soils can completely immobilise heavy metals and toxic organic compounds, preventing them from leaching into groundwater or entering the food chain.

This makes biochar a powerful tool for soil remediation, transforming contaminated land into safer, more productive environments.

Learn more about biochar’s benefits: https://onnubiochar.com/pages/what-is-biochar

A fascinating new study by the Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering reveals that engineered biochar can remove up to 98% of dye pollutants from wastewater, offering a scalable, sustainable solution for one of industry’s biggest environmental challenges.

Made from agricultural waste like rice husks or coconut shells, biochar’s cleaning power increases dramatically when “activated”: a process that enhances its porosity and introduces functional chemical groups capable of binding and breaking down pollutants.

Key insights from the research:
🔹 Activation boosts efficiency: Acid, base, or steam treatments can expand surface area to 1000–3000 m²/g, significantly improving pollutant adsorption.


🔹 Water pH plays a key role: Alkaline water (pH 8–10) is optimal for removing cationic dyes such as methylene blue.

Read the research here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396415599_Enhanced_Surface_Properties_of_Biochar_Using_Activation_Strategies_for_Sustainable_Dye_Removal_A_Review

A recent discussion with Professor Colin Snape and Dr Tom Bott (University of Nottingham) sheds light on the growing body of research into how biochar can improve soil function, increase microbial diversity, and permanently lock away carbon.

Some of the key takeaways include:

➡️ Biochar is not one-size-fits-all: its performance depends on feedstock, soil type, and application method.



➡️ When applied correctly, it enhances soil structure, reduces erosion, and supports microbial life.

➡️ High-quality, high-temperature biochar can remain stable in soils for thousands of years.

➡️ The right regulatory and economic frameworks could unlock biochar’s full potential for UK agriculture and climate goals.

This research reinforces what many in the sector already know; that biochar is a foundational tool for sustainable land management and carbon sequestration.

Read the full article by the Sustainable Soils Alliance to explore all eight findings:

🔗 https://lunzhub.com/resources/eight-facts-about-biochar-with-professor-colin-snape-and-dr-tom-bott/

In landscaping, biochar improves soil structure, enhances water retention, boosts beneficial microbial life, and sequesters carbon from the atmosphere.

Swipe across to learn how you can use biochar in landscaping.

A new study, led by the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering, has shown that converting food waste into biochar could lead to a reduction of 93,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year by 2030.

The report shows that converting food-waste digestate, a residue from biogas production, into biochar offers a low-cost, high-impact climate solution.

Read more on the study here:

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/biochar

This is how we make our biochar!

If you’re curious about the benefits of good quality biochar, visit our website:

www.onnubiochar.com