Preparation and characterization of polymer microspheres containing biochar for immobilization and slow release of phosphorus and bacteria Rahnella aquatilis HX2

Abstract

In this project we intend to prepare and evaluate the performance of polymeric microbeads containing alginate and biochar to immobilization of phosphorus and bacteria Rahnella aquatilis HX2. To achieve this goal biochar will be prepared by calcination of sugar cane bagasse at different temperatures (300-700 ° C), which will serve as adsorbents of phosphate ions and bacteria Rahnella aquatilis HX2. The preparation conditions are optimized varying pH and biochar characteristic to facilitate the immobilization and slow release of the species of interest. The quantities of bacteria and phosphate immobilized and released over time by spheres containing biochar be evaluated in comparison with control experiments (no biochar), using the plate count method and atomic emission spectroscopy inductively coupled plasma (ICP -OES), respectively. There are few studies in the literature involving the use of biochar in alginate polymer beads, is to immobilize and slow release phosphorus or bacteries. Thus, this research can be open a new perspective associated with use of biochar to immobilize and slow release of nutrients and or bacteria, which can promote the growth of plants and thereby increase agricultural productivity. (AU)