Electrocatalytic method to quantify the redox reactivity of agricultural byproducts

Authors: Uchimiya, Sophie

Submitted to: Biomass and Bioenergy
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/19/2023
Publication Date: 12/22/2023
Citation: Uchimiya, S.M. 2023. Electrocatalytic method to quantify the redox reactivity of agricultural byproducts. Biomass and Bioenergy. 181. Article 107006. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2023.107006.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2023.107006

Interpretive Summary: Producers and vendors need to know how effective fertilizers will be in the long run. To test this, user friendly, fast, and universal method is necessary. This study presents such method specific to oxidation-reduction (redox), a major controlling reaction in soils. Developed method can be used to screen different organic materials for potential uses as organic fertilizer, bio-stimulant, and other useful addition for organic farming.

Technical Abstract: Versatile electrochemical method is in demand to screen potential soil amendments for redox reactivity. This study employed reductive (anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate, AQDS) and oxidative (quercetin) mediators to visualize the electron donating and accepting functional groups in sugarcane mill mud, a potential organic fertilizer originating from raw sugar production. Mill mud was redox inert under the electrochemical conditions employed, and mediator was required to transfer electrons to and from the working electrodes. Peak areas of cyclic voltammograms were plotted as a function of sample loading in the electrochemical reactor, and slope was used to interpret the redox reactivity. In summary, developed method allows quantification of redox reactivity for biomass without sample pretreatments that will influence the electrochemical response.