From leftovers to energy: Biochar offers a sustainable recipe for food waste management

In a recent academic forum, Professor Yen Wah Tong from the National University of Singapore (NUS) presented compelling findings on how biochar can significantly enhance the process of anaerobic digestion, a natural method where microorganisms break down food waste to produce biogas, a renewable energy source.

"Biochar acts as a hotel and a buffet for the microorganisms involved in digestion," explained Professor Tong. "It provides a protective surface for bacteria to grow, while also facilitating electron transfer between microbial species. This synergy makes the entire process more robust and efficient, leading to a higher yield of methane gas from the same amount of food waste."

The full presentation, "The effects of biochar on managing food waste in a decentralized anaerobic digestion system," is now available online for public viewing.

About the Forum:
The Forum on Biochar Research is a series of online academic meetings featuring leading experts discussing advancements in biochar technology and its applications in environmental sustainability.

The live session for the "Forum on Biochar Research" took place on April 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM (UTC+8). A recording of this online seminar has now been uploaded to YouTube, making it accessible for those who missed the live event or wish to review the presentation.

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/sMGgKYWB4uc?si=DE1yotBRBSYw3G17