BUREAU OF GEOLOGY


(Fuchsman, 1978). Potential uses include the production of plastics and
synthetic fibers, components for paints and adhesive formulations and
flocculants or thickeners in water purification systems. These uses are
based primarily on the adsorption and ion exchange properties of humic
acids (Fuchsman, 1978).

 PEAT COKE, PEAT TAR AND ACTIVATED CARBON

 Peat coke, peat tar and activated carbon are produced by the process
of pyrolysis. Pyrolysis consists of decomposition of organic substances
by heat in the absence of air. When carried to a high enough temperature
and for long enough time, the process yields a carbon residue (peat
coke), a water immiscible condensate (peat tar) and non-condensable
gases which can be utilized as fuel gases.
 Peat suitable for coking requires a relatively high carbon content (high
level of decomposition), low ash content and low phosphorous content
(Fuchsman, 1978). High carbon content is necessary for acceptable
yields. Phosphorous and ash degrade the product quality.
 Several factors influence the yield of pyrolysis products. Coke yields
are increased with more highly decomposed peats and slower rates of
heating. Peat tar and gases generated by the pyrolysis process are often
recycled as fuel for the coking process.
 Activated carbon is produced from peat coke by treating coke with
steam at 1,6320F- 2,0120F. The reaction forms hydrogen gas and car-
bon monoxide which has the physical effect of expanding the pores in
the peat coke, greatly increasing the surface area available for adsorption
(Norit, N.V. (n.d.), in Fuchsman, 1978).
 Peat coke is utilized to form high purity silicon for the electronics
industry and as a reducing agent in electric smelting furnaces especially
in the production of ferrochrome and ferrosilicon alloys (Eckman, 1975,
in Fuchsman, 1978). Peat tars are refined for pesticide and wood pre-
servative use. The primary use, however, is as fuel recycled to the peat
coke production process (Minnesota DNR, 1981).
 Activated carbon is utilized for a variety of purposes, all of which take
advantage of the large surface area available for adsorption. Uses include
removal of pollutants from industrial waste gases, as a gas absorber,
deodorizer, and for purification of water and sugar (Fuchsman, 1978).

 Use of Peat as a Growth Medium

 HORTICULTURE

 Essentially all of the peat mined in Florida, at the present time, is used
for horticultural purposes. Peat is used by home owners for soil enhance-
ment, by nurseries and landscapers for potting soils and growing media
for plants, and also as a medium for mushroom and earthworm culture.