Insights on Molecular Characteristics of Hydrochars by C-13-NMR and Off-Line TMAH-GC/MS and Assessment of Their Potential Use as Plant Growth Promoters

Author(s)

Fregolente, Lais G. ^{[1, 2, 3]} ; dos Santos, Joao Vitor ^[1] ; Vinci, Giovanni ^[2] ; Piccolo, Alessandro ^[2] ; Moreira, Altair B. ^[1] ; Ferreira, Odair P. ^[3] ; Bisinoti, Marcia C. ^[1] ; Spaccini, Riccardo ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Paulista Unesp, Lab Estudos Ciencias Ambientais, Inst Biociencias, Letras & Ciencias Exatas, Campus Sao Jose do Rio Preto, BR-15054000 Jardim Nazareth, Sao Jose Do Rio - Brazil

^[2] Univ Napoli Federico II, Interdept Res Ctr Nucl Magnet Resonance NMR Envir, Via Univ 100, I-80055 Portici - Italy

^[3] Univ Fed Ceara, Lab Mat Func Avancados LaMFA, BR-60455900 Fortaleza, Ceara - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Molecules; v. 26, n. 4 FEB 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Hydrochar is a carbon-based material that can be used as soil amendment. Since the physical-chemical properties of hydrochar are mainly assigned to process parameters, we aimed at evaluating the organic fraction of different hydrochars through C-13-NMR and off-line TMAH-GC/MS. Four hydrochars produced with sugarcane bagasse, vinasse and sulfuric or phosphoric acids were analyzed to elucidate the main molecular features. Germination and initial growth of maize seedlings were assessed using hydrochar water-soluble fraction to evaluate their potential use as growth promoters. The hydrochars prepared with phosphoric acid showed larger amounts of bioavailable lignin-derived structures. Although no differences were shown about the percentage of maize seeds germination, the hydrochar produced with phosphoric acid promoted a better seedling growth. For this sample, the greatest relative percentage of benzene derivatives and phenolic compounds were associated to hormone-like effects, responsible for stimulating shoot and root elongation. The reactions parameters proved to be determinant for the organic composition of hydrochar, exerting a strict influence on molecular features and plant growth response. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/22954-1 - Metal transportation and natural organic matter characterization from rivers of Itacoatiara, Amazônia
• Grantee: Márcia Cristina Bisinoti
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/15733-7 - Evaluation of the use of hydrochar for agricultural purposes and of magnetic coal as adsorbent material
• Grantee: Márcia Cristina Bisinoti
• Support type: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/26718-6 - Humic Substances of Hydrochar and soils Amazon Dark Earth: Interactions with Macro and Micronutrients
• Grantee: Altair Benedito Moreira
• Support type: Regular Research Grants