Sebastian Foth

Mr. Sebastian Foth


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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23 October 2025 in Processes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SFSebastian Foth
Sebastian Foth
VEVicky Shettigondahalli Ekanthalu
Vicky Shettigondahalli Ekanthalu
FJFlorian Jansen
Florian Jansen
MNMichael Nelles
Michael Nelles
As freely available but not yet commercially acquired biomass resource, water care material (WCM) is generated seasonally in the periodic maintenance of surface water bodies and consists of mainly aquatic and/or rural-associated biomass of the water body profile, as well as wood, soil substrate, water or other possible impurities. In addition to other recovery options, such as composting or utilization in biogas production, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was selected as a thermochemical process because it is suitable for converting biomass with a high content of carbon into high-quality combustibles. The biomass sample used in this investigation was obtained during a single sampling event from a small stream in the North German lowlands. The material was pretreated by shredding it to a particle size of <0.12 mm. Through a 5 L stirred reactor, hydrothermal treatments were performed under low temperature conditions (200, 220 and 240 °C), residence times (120, 180, 240 min) and solid dry matter of the sample content: 6%. Solid phase was evaluated in terms of calorific value and proximate and ultimate analysis. The results suggested that the hydrothermal carbonization of WCM gave a high heating value of 23.84 MJ/kg for its char after being dried for 24 h at 105 degrees. At the same time, biochar can be used in agriculture to improve soil properties. To understand to what extent the product is suitable for soil amendment, the surface and the nutrient content of the resulting hydrochar were analyzed in detail. As the initial material is rich in fiber contents, process temperatures up to 240 °C have a huge impact on effective particle size. Furthermore, the analysis of selected nutrients, minerals and heavy metals shows the suitability of the produced hydrochar for soils in accordance with current legislation.