Sorption properties of various biochars have been extensively investigated by many researchers. One of the parameters that have a significant impact on sorption properties is pyrolysis temperature. This paper presents a study on the effect of pyrolysis temperature (425, 575, 725 °C) on the sorption properties of poultry-manure-derived biochar (BPM). The produced biochars, i.e., BPM425, BPM575 and BPM725, demonstrated specific properties at 425, 525 and 752 °C such as high pH (10.40, 10.65 and 12.45), high ash contents (52.07, 61.74 and 78.38%) and relatively low BET (Brunauer, Emmett and Teller) surface area (11, 17 and 19 m²·g⁻¹). The analysis of the mineral phases of the BPMs confirmed the buffering capacity. The investigated biochars were tested for sorption of Zn, Cd and Pb in mono-, double- and triple-metal batch sorption tests. According to the obtained results, biochar produced at a temperature of 575 °C (BPM575) can function as a sufficient sorbent for the removal of Zn, Cd and Pb from a water solution. The presented results do not confirm the effect of competing metal ions on the sorption efficiency of the selected metals by the investigated biochars. Based on that, the studied biochar sorbents can be used in environments contaminated with many metals.

Peat is considered a contentious input in horticulture. Therefore, there is a search for suitable alternatives with similar properties that can be used for partial or complete peat substitution in growing media. Poultry-manure-derived biochar (PMB) is considered such an alternative. This study aimed at determining the properties of PMBs obtained through pyrolysis at selected temperatures and assessing their potentials to substitute peat in growing media based on the selected properties. The scope included the laboratory-scale pyrolysis of poultry manure at the temperatures of 425–725 °C; the determination of selected physico-chemical and physical properties of the obtained biochars, including the contaminants; and the assessment of the potentials of produced biochars to be used as peat substitutes. PMBs contained less than 36% of total organic carbon (TOC). The contents of P and K were about 2.03–3.91% and 2.74–5.13%, respectively. PMBs did not retain N. They can be safely used as the concentrations of heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinatd biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and furans are within the permissible values (except for Cr). Due to high pH (9.24–12.35), they can have a liming effect. High water holding capacity (WHC) in the range of 158–232% w/w could allow for the maintenance of moisture in the growing media. PMBs obtained at 525 °C, 625 °C, and 725 °C showed required stability (H/C_org < 0.7).