Research Journal of Recent Sciences ________________________________________________ ISSN 2277-2502
Vol. 1 (ISC-2011), 270-274 (2012)
Res.J.Recent Sci.

Lignin recovery, Biochar Production and Decolourisation of
Coir pith Black Liquor
Rojith G. and Bright Singh I.S.
School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, INDIA

Available online at: www.isca.in
(Received 16th September 2011, revised 11th January 2012, accepted 25th January 2012)

Abstract
Coir pith black liquor obtained as a dark brown filtrate from oxidative delignification needs to be decolourised before releasing
to open environment. From this liquor industrially valuable lignin was recovered using acid precipitation method. ‘Biochar’
was produced by slow pyrolysis of coir pith at 500oC and 600oC. Water holding capacity and pH of the biochar were estimated.
CHNS analysis was carried out to identify the nutrient profile. Structural characterization was done using FTIR and SEM
Studies. Biochar produced at 600oC was found to be more suitable for decolourisation of the coir pith black liquor. FTIR
analysis indicated peak changes while SEM analysis indicated surface area and porosity changes. Biochar decolourisation
experiments were carried out on crude coir pith black liquor and also on lignin recovered coir pith black liquor.
Key words: Coir pith, black liquor, lignin recovery, biochar

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