Per Puro's terminology, a biochar type is defined in Rule 3.5.34 by the biomass feedstock type or blend, given operating conditions during carbonization and any post-production treatment of biochar.
Environmental quality
Under Rule 3.6.9, Suppliers must first determine whether biochar- and application-specific environmental quality requirements are established by applicable local regulations. If such requirements exist, they apply. If no applicable regulations exist, the methodology defaults to the World Biochar Certificate (WBC) thresholds (Rule 3.6.10).
For the initial qualification of a new biochar type under the WBC requirements, the following analyses are required:
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 EPA PAHs and 8 EFSA PAHs)
Heavy metals
PCDD, PCDF and PCB (tested once per pyrolysis unit on the first production batch, assuming not to be need for the the new biochar type as the new biochar type is understood (for this answer) to be introduced later during the Crediting Period)
Rule 3.6.11 specifies the required testing frequencies for these parameters, while Rule 3.6.12 defines the applicable analytical methods and laboratory accreditation requirements.
Elemental characterization
Biochar sampling must follow either Regime A or Regime B as specified in Rule 3.5.34. The parameters required under Sections 6.1 and 6.2 to determine the carbon stored and carbon losses include:
Total carbon
Inorganic carbon
Organic carbon (calculated from total and inorganic carbon, in accordance with Rule 6.1.6)
Hydrogen
Rule 6.1.6 also specifies the applicable analytical methods and laboratory requirements for these measurements.
Keywords:
Puro Library: Biochar 2025