GROUP 7

GROUP MEMBERS:

NAME ID

PIYUSH KUMAR JHA 2021UCE0067

PARITOSH UJJWAL 2021UCE0066
SHIVAM SAURABH 2021UCE0074
PRINCE RAJ 2021UCE0069
RAVI KUMAR 2021UCE0071
NILESH PATEL 2021UCS0104

PROJECT TITLE:

REMINERALISE WATER AND UTILISING BIOCHAR

We are working on two domains first one is on adding minerals to water which
are lost in filtration process using clay balls and second one is utilising Biochar.

1. REMINERALISING WATER:

OBJECTIVE:

Our objective is to create a clay ball filter capable of adding essential minerals
to water. The process involves preparing clay balls infused with minerals,
heating them at optimal temperatures, and assessing their ability to leach
minerals into water. The targeted minerals for this project are Calcium,
Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium.

PROGRESS SO FAR:

• Soil Digestion: Soil samples were subjected to digestion to decompose

the minerals present. The Autoclave technique was employed for this
purpose.
 • Clay Ball Preparation: Clay balls were prepared from the digested soil
samples. Water was added to the soil, and the mixture was molded into
balls measuring approximately 0.5 to 1 cm in diameter.

• Optimum Temperature Determination: The clay balls were muffled at

various temperatures (200°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 650°C) for
different durations. After testing, it was found that clay balls muffled at
650°C for 3.5 hours exhibited the best water retention properties, thus this
temperature and duration were selected as optimal.

• Mineral Infusion: Magnesium sulfate was chosen as the first mineral for
infusion. Clay balls were prepared by mixing 10 g of Magnesium sulfate
and then muffled at 650°C for 3.5 hours.

ACHIEVEMENT TILL END OF LAST SEMESTER:

Through systematic experimentation, we have successfully identified the

optimal temperature for heating clay balls in a muffle furnace. After conducting
trials at various temperatures, we determined that heating the clay balls at 650
degrees Celsius for 3.5 hours yields the most favorable results in terms of water
retention and mineral leaching capabilities. We also figured out minerals on
which we will work which are most essential in drinking water.

FUTURE ACTION:
Next, we will repeat the process for the remaining three minerals (Calcium,
Potassium, and Sodium). Clay balls will be prepared by mixing salts of these
minerals in a mold, muffled at 650°C for 3 hours, and tested for leaching
capabilities. Leaching will be assessed by measuring the quantity of minerals in
water before and after the filtration process. An increase in mineral quantity in
water post-filtration will indicate successful leaching.

2. UTILISING BIOCHAR

OBJECTIVE:
Our project focuses on utilizing the bark of these common pine trees to create
biochar through the process of pyrolysis. In the Jammu region, a sustainable
initiative is underway to repurpose the abundant pine trees that are often
discarded as waste after being cut or fallen due to storms and landslides. By
extracting biochar from pine tree bark, the initiative not only addresses the issue
of waste management but also harnesses the potential benefits of biochar for
agricultural and environmental purposes. This approach contributes to the
responsible and efficient use of available resources, turning discarded pine trees
into a valuable soil amendment. The utilization of pine tree bark for biochar
production aligns with the principles of circular economy and sustainable
resource management in the Jammu region.

PROGRESS SO FAR:

EXTRACTION OF BARK FROM TREE: We collected the bark, and we

proceeded to wash and dry it as part of the biochar creation process.
CREATION OF FINE POWDER FOR PYROLYSIS:
we employ a blender to finely grind the dried bark, creating a powder-like
consistency. This finely powdered bark serves as the precursor for the
subsequent pyrolysis process. By breaking down the bark into a fine powder, we
enhance its surface area and reactivity, optimizing the conditions for pyrolysis.
This meticulous preparation ensures that the pine tree bark is effectively
transformed into biochar, maximizing its potential benefits for soil enrichment
and environmental sustainability.

PYROLYSIS:
We have conducted a pyrolysis experiment on the powdered pine bark in a
furnace, utilizing a closed vessel sealed with activated carbon at the top. The
two temperature stages, initially at 450 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes followed
by 600 degrees Celsius for 2 hours, suggest a controlled thermal treatment to
induce the pyrolysis process. The use of activated carbon in the sealed vessel
likely played a role in creating a specific environment for the pyrolysis, helping
control the reaction conditions. The resultant black powder we obtained after
the pyrolysis is likely to be biochar, a carbon-rich material formed from the
decomposition of the pine bark at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen.

CHECKING FOR THE LOSS OF COLOUR IN WATER OF PYROLYSED

BARK:
We use centrifugation to assess the water-soluble components of the output
sample is a commendable step in characterizing the properties of the black
powder obtained from the pyrolysis of pine bark. The fact that the particles are
too small to settle on their own indicates the finely divided nature of the
material, possibly consisting of stable carbon structures formed during
pyrolysis. The absence of color release into the water suggests that the black
powder is not leaching significant water-soluble compounds. This is a positive
indication, as it implies that the biochar produced from the pine bark is
relatively stable and does not contribute undesirable substances to the
surrounding environment.

FUTURE ACTION:

In the upcoming phase, our focus is on assessing the impact of biochar

properties on soil fertility, nutrient retention, and water-related attributes in
agriculture. We aim to evaluate how the porous structure of biochar contributes
to improved soil water retention, thereby reducing the necessity for frequent
irrigation and enhancing the resilience of crops to drought conditions.
Additionally, our investigations will explore how biochar enhances soil
structure by mitigating compaction and fostering the formation of soil
aggregates. This improvement in soil structure is expected to facilitate better
aeration and increased water infiltration, crucial factors for optimizing
agricultural productivity and sustainability.