An Experimental Study on Biochar Produced from Pistachio Shells
by Baishali Niyogi, Chaitanya Vyas, Navya Mediratta, Shashwat Mundada, Shibanshu Nayak, Sragvi Saxena
Published: March 6, 2026 • DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI.2026.130200100
Abstract
The growing accumulation of agricultural biomass waste has intensified the need for sustainable waste management strategies. This study investigates the production and characterization of biochar derived from pistachio shells through chemical activation and thermal treatment at 300°C. Proximate analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were conducted to evaluate carbon stability and surface functional groups.
The fixed carbon content was found to be 24.20%, indicating moderate carbonization. FTIR analysis revealed aromatic structures and oxygen-containing functional groups, suggesting potential suitability for soil amendment and nutrient retention. However, comparison with published studies indicates that higher pyrolysis temperatures are required to enhance fixed carbon content and structural stability. The findings support pistachio shell biochar as a sustainable, low-cost material with scope for optimization in environmental applications.