Recent research undertaken in my group has established that biochar has the potential to influence the partitioning of organic chemicals in soil. Specifically, herbicides have been observed to sorb strongly to biochar amended soils.

On one hand this might prevent herbicide transport to water courses and mitigate damage to aquatic ecosystems. However, our research has also shown that where biochar is present in soil the herbicidal properties of these chemicals are deactivated.
Specifically, weed seed viability in herbicide amended soils containing biochar has been observed to be comparable to biochar free soil to which no herbicide has been added. In effect, the herbicidal properties have been undermined and the weeds respond as if no herbicide is present.

While the opportunity for biochar to be used as a climate change mitigation approach has received considerable endorsement the potential for unintended consequence (e.g. herbicide deactivation) has received little attention. Clearly, if herbicidal activity is lost in biochar amended soil there will potentially be global consequence for crop productivity and food security should wide-scale biochar application to agricultural soils be embraced.
This PhD will build upon these original findings and explore both the physical and chemical interactions herbicides have with biochar. These assessments of partitioning will be complemented by plant bioassays to establish the extent to which herbicide activity is deactivated in the presence of biochar.

The research will involve a mixture of laboratory and field work. The use of 14C-radiotracers is anticipated to elucidate the interactions between soil-biochar-herbicides.   Training will be given with regards to risk and chemical safety assessment and the application of analytical approaches as relevant to the project.

The role of i) biochar and ii) herbicide properties will be explored.
Successful applicant must be laboratory competent and should preferably have practical chemical and/or biological skills. First degrees in, for example, might include: chemistry, biochemistry, forensics, analytical chemistry, plant science should deliver the core practical skills that the project will require.  

ENV/UEA has the laboratory facilities required to undertake this research activity: Class 2 microbiology laboratory and dedicated 14C-radiotracer suite; analytical capacity with respect to: GCMS/HPLC; Ion Chromatography, and ICP(OES/MS). All analytical and laboratory facilities are supported by technical staff.

Lehmann J, Gaunt J and Rondon M 2006 Bio-char sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems – a review. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 11: 403-427.

Please contact the supervisor for further reference – much of our original work is currently under review for Journal publication.