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Arsenic (As) poisoning in groundwater and rice paddy soil has increased globally, impacting human health and food security. There is an urgent need to deal with As-contaminated groundwater and soil. Biochar can be a useful remedy for toxic contaminants. This study explains the synthesis of pinecone-magnetic biochar (PC-MBC) by engineering the pinecone-pristine biochar with iron salts (FeCl 3.6H 2 O and FeSO 4.7H 2 O) to investigate its effects on As(V) adsorption and immobilization in water and soil, respectively. The results indicated that PC-MBC can remediate As(V)-contaminated water, with an adsorption capacity of 12.14 mg g−1 in water. Isotherm and kinetic modeling showed that the adsorption mechanism involved multilayer, monolayer, and diffusional processes, with chemisorption operating as the primary interface between As(V) and biochar. Post-adsorption analysis of PC-MBC, using FTIR and XRD, further revealed chemical fixing and outer-sphere complexation between As(V) and Fe, O, NH, and OH as the main reasons for As(V) adsorption onto PC-MBC. Recycling of PC-MBC also had excellent adsorption even after several regeneration cycles. Similarly, PC-MBC successfully immobilized As in paddy soil. Single and sequential extraction results showed the transformation of mobile forms of As to a more stable form, confirmed by non-destructive analysis using SEM, EDX, and elemental dot mapping. Thus, Fe-modified pine-cone biochar could be a suitable and cheap adsorbent for As-contaminated water and soil. [Display omitted] • Magnetic biochar was produced from pinecones via impregnation with iron-salts. • Biochar successfully remediated arsenic-contaminated groundwater and paddy soil. • Arsenic was chemically fixed with active functional groups on surface of biochar. • Mobility of arsenic in soil was highly reduced due to transformation to stable form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presence of organic and inorganic acids influences the release rates of trace metals (TMs) bound in contaminated soil systems. This study aimed to investigate the influence of bioenergy waste biochar, derived from Gliricidia sepium (GBC), on the proton and ligand-induced bioavailability of Pb and Cu in a shooting range soil (17,066 mg Pb and 1134 mg Cu per kg soil) in the presence of inorganic (sulfuric, nitric, and hydrochloric) and organic acids (acetic, citric, and oxalic). Release rates of Pb and Cu in the shooting range soil were determined under different acid concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 mM) and in the presence/absence of GBC (10% by weight of soil). The dissolution rates of Pb and Cu increased with increasing acid concentrations. Lead was preferentially released (2.79 × 10 − 13 to 8.86 × 10 − 13 mol m − 2 s − 1 ) than Cu (1.07 × 10 − 13 to 1.02 × 10 − 13 mol m − 2 s − 1 ) which could be due to the excessive Pb concentrations in soil. However, the addition of GBC to soil reduced Pb and Cu dissolution rates to a greater extent of 10.0 to 99.5% and 15.6 to 99.5%, respectively, under various acid concentrations. The increased pH in the medium and different adsorption mechanisms, including electrostatic attractions, surface diffusion, ion exchange, precipitation, and complexation could immobilize Pb and Cu released by the proton and ligands in GBC amended soil. Overall, GBC could be utilized as an effective soil amendment to immobilize Pb and Cu in shooting range soil even under the influence of soil acidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zakatis categorized as a religious tradition with the obligation that well-off Muslims share some of their wealth and dispense it among those in the society that are less fortunate with lower incomes. The main objective of this research is to assess service satisfaction with the distribution ofzakatand the effect it can have on the recipients' social and financial status; and, whether this religious tradition which is deeply embedded in the society can supplement social services provision. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the responses of 192 program recipients. Focusing on responses of the recipients the results highlighted concerns related to investment and distribution ofzakat. The findings concluded that contemporaryzakatadministration, when provided in a rural district, needs to be standardized and clearly follow guidelines for mandatory implementation. This standardization of distribution ofzakatclosely following the rules and laws would lead to more effective and efficient distribution helping to eliminate any current inequalities of the re-distribution of wealth. In addition to its religious value base which conforms to societal norms,zakatfunds can help to decrease poverty within a community. The results show that usingzakat, with its religious and spiritual traditions that are deeply embedded in the society, provide an excellent basis for supporting social work and social services provision. Implications for program improvement are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inheritance is an extremely significant factor in wealth distribution and gender relations. This article provides an area-specific insight on inheritance distribution with respect to women. A total of 144 daughters were interviewed in a feudal society in Pakistan to assess their inheritance. A descriptive analysis was employed to investigate the inheritance shares they received in provision of agricultural land and its annual income for the women that inherited it. The data demonstrated that lack of education, patriarchal practices, and the occurrences of a swap marriage system (where forced exchange marriages are promoted to defer inheritance) limit the ability of these women to get their share of their entitled inheritance. To change this system at a grassroots level, the results indicate the need for a clear understanding of the religious lessons, laws, and social repercussions that lead to these daughters being deprived of their inheritance. Overall, future research supports culturally sensitive strategies that can counterbalance these adverse practices for discrimination in inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Biochar is gaining attention as a potential soil amendment to remediate and revitalize the contaminated soils. Simultaneous effects of biochar on metals mobility, microbial abundance, bacterial diversity and carbon storage in soil are scarcely addressed. This study assessed the effect of biochars on metal mobility, microbial abundance, bacterial community, and carbon storage in an agricultural soil contaminated with heavy metals. Biochars derived from soybean stover at 300 and 700 °C (S-BC300 and S-BC700, respectively) and pine needles at the same temperatures (P-BC300 and P-BC700, respectively) were used. A maximum reduction of Pb mobility by 95% was observed from a soil treated with S-BC700, associated with precipitation of chloropyromorphite and hydroxylpyromorphite. In contrast, As was desorbed from soil particles because of P competition. The abundance of Gram-positive and negative bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased in the soils treated with biochar produced at 300 °C, possibly due to the high dissolved organic and active organic carbons. Microbial abundance in the soils treated with S-BC700 and P-BC700 was constant due to the existence of fixed or non-labile carbon. Changes to bacterial communities in the biochar-treated soils depended on feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature. Actinobacteria substantially increased whereas Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi decreased in the biochar-treated soils. The non-labile carbon fraction was ∼25 fold higher in the biochar-treated soil than the control soil, indicating long-term carbon storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar (BC) could be a potential candidate for the remediation of metal contaminated soil. Mechanistic understandings are needed for the appropriate selection of BC and investigating molecular microbial ecological interactions. The soybean stover-derived BCs were more effective in immobilizing Pb (88%) and Cu (87%) than the pine needle-derived BCs in a contaminated shooting range soil. The sequential chemical extractions indicated that BCs stimulated the geochemical transformation of metal species. Spectroscopic investigations using scanning electron microscopic elemental dot mapping and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopic measurements showed that Pb in the BCs amended soils was immobilized by the formation of stable chloropyromorphite. Soil organic C and microbial activity were also enhanced by BC. The non-labile C fraction in the soil amended with BCs produced at 700 °C was increased. Biochars showed less impact on the bacterial community than feedstock biomass as promulgated by the pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The feedstock type (namely soybean stover and pine needles) was the main factor influencing the BCs efficacy on metals’ (im) mobilization and bacterial health in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar (BC) has attracted great attention as an alternative sorbent to activated carbon (AC). Objective of this study was to determine trichloroethylene (TCE) removal by soybean stover BC pyrolyzed at 300 (BC300) and 700°C (BC700) in continuous fixed-bed column. Columns packed with BC300, BC700, and AC reached breakthrough time in 1.1, 27.0, and 50.7 h, respectively. BC700 had higher TCE adsorption capacity than BC300 due to its higher surface area, nonpolarity, and aromaticity. The sorption capacities of AC (774.0 mg g−1) and BC700 (515.1 mg g−1) were 21.6 and 14.4 times higher than that of BC300 (35.9 mg g−1). The lower desorption rate of TCE from BC300 than BC700 and AC may be attributed to the strong binding/partition of TCE to the noncarbonized part of BC. Thomas model also adequately described the adsorption data indicating interphase mass transfer. Overall, AC showed best efficiency for removing TCE from water in column experiments. However, although sorption and desorption capabilities of BC700 were a little lower than AC, it is still a good alternative for AC to remove organic contaminants such as TCE from water due to its cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drinking fluoride (F−)-contaminated water (>1.5 mg L−1) causes severe dental and skeletal disorders. In the central province of Pakistan, ∼20 times higher levels of F− in the drinking groundwater (compared with the 1.5 mg L−1 permissible limit of the World Health Organization) are triggering bone abnormalities in teenagers. In this study, we demonstrated the potential of pinecone-derived biochar (pristine) impregnated with Fe- and Al-salts (engineered) to defluoridate water. Batch mode adsorption experiments were carried out under variable conditions of solution pH, F− initial concentration, adsorbent dose, and contact time. The engineered biochars resulted in greater adsorption than that of pristine biochar. Specifically, the AlCl 3 -modified biochar exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 14.07 mg g−1 in spiked water and 13.07 mg g−1 in in-situ groundwater. The equilibrium isothermal and kinetic models predicted monolayer, cooperative, and chemisorption types of the adsorption process. The chemical interaction and outer-sphere complexation of F− with Al, Na, and H elements were further confirmed by the post-adsorption analysis of the AlCl 3 -modified biochar by FTIR and XRD. The AlCl 3 -modified biochar resulted in 87.13% removal of F− from the in-situ F−-contaminated groundwater, even in the presence of naturally occurring competing ions (such as Cl−, HCO 3 −, SO 4 2−, and NO 3 −). We conclude that the AlCl 3 -modified biochar derived from pinecone could be a promising cost-effective adsorbent for the defluoridation of water. • The AlCl 3 -modified biochar exhibited great potential of water defluoridation. • The biochar also showed reasonable regeneration potential. • The biochar was equally effective to the in-situ F−-contaminated groundwater. • It performed with same efficiency even in the presence of competing ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drinking fluoride (F−)-contaminated water (>1.5 mg L−1) causes severe dental and skeletal disorders. In the central province of Pakistan, ∼20 times higher levels of F− in the drinking groundwater (compared with the 1.5 mg L−1 permissible limit of the World Health Organization) are triggering bone abnormalities in teenagers. In this study, we demonstrated the potential of pinecone-derived biochar (pristine) impregnated with Fe- and Al-salts (engineered) to defluoridate water. Batch mode adsorption experiments were carried out under variable conditions of solution pH, F− initial concentration, adsorbent dose, and contact time. The engineered biochars resulted in greater adsorption than that of pristine biochar. Specifically, the AlCl 3 -modified biochar exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 14.07 mg g−1 in spiked water and 13.07 mg g−1 in in-situ groundwater. The equilibrium isothermal and kinetic models predicted monolayer, cooperative, and chemisorption types of the adsorption process. The chemical interaction and outer-sphere complexation of F− with Al, Na, and H elements were further confirmed by the post-adsorption analysis of the AlCl 3 -modified biochar by FTIR and XRD. The AlCl 3 -modified biochar resulted in 87.13% removal of F− from the in-situ F−-contaminated groundwater, even in the presence of naturally occurring competing ions (such as Cl−, HCO 3 −, SO 4 2−, and NO 3 −). We conclude that the AlCl 3 -modified biochar derived from pinecone could be a promising cost-effective adsorbent for the defluoridation of water. • The AlCl 3 -modified biochar exhibited great potential of water defluoridation. • The biochar also showed reasonable regeneration potential. • The biochar was equally effective to the in-situ F−-contaminated groundwater. • It performed with same efficiency even in the presence of competing ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including social capital in Tehran, Iran, sexual attitudes of Korean teenagers, and care service delivery system for adults.

Highlights: [•] This manuscript reviews recent findings published on biochar. [•] Physical architecture and composition of biochars are critical for soil and water remediation. [•] Sorption capacity depends on surface area, microporosity, and hydrophobicity of biochar. [•] Long-term effects of biochar on contaminant stability in soil should be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Mussel shell, cow bone and biochar immobilized Pb in soil of a small arms range. [•] Biochar significantly decreased both Pb and Sb phytoavailability. [•] Formation of Pb-phosphate by biochar resulted in decreased phytoavailability. [•] Biochar is a novel amendment for the remediation of soils contaminated with Pb and Sb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] TCE removal by pine needle biochars produced at various temperatures was investigated. [•] Pyrolysis temperature showed a pronounced effect on biochar properties. [•] High surface area, micro-porosity and carbonized extent increased TCE removal. [•] Prevailing TCE sorption mechanism on pine needle derived biochar is pore-filling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Conversion of crop residues into biochars (BCs) via pyrolysis is beneficial to environment compared to their direct combustion in agricultural field. Biochars developed from soybean stover at 300 and 700°C (S-BC300 and S-BC700, respectively) and peanut shells at 300 and 700°C (P-BC300 and P-BC700, respectively) were used for the removal of trichloroethylene (TCE) from water. Batch adsorption experiments showed that the TCE adsorption was strongly dependent on the BCs properties. Linear relationships were obtained between sorption parameters (KM and SM ) and molar elemental ratios as well as surface area of the BCs. The high adsorption capacity of BCs produced at 700°C was attributed to their high aromaticity and low polarity. The efficacy of S-BC700 and P-BC700 for removing TCE from water was comparable to that of activated carbon (AC). Pyrolysis temperature influencing the BC properties was a critical factor to assess the removal efficiency of TCE from water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study evaluated the effectiveness of eggshell and calcined eggshell on lead (Pb) immobilization in a shooting range soil. Destructive and non-destructive analytical techniques were employed to determine the mechanism of Pb immobilization. The 5% additions of eggshell and calcined eggshell significantly decreased the TCLP-Pb concentration by 68.8% due mainly to increasing soil pH. Eggshell and calcined-eggshell amendments decreased the exchangeable Pb fraction to ∼1% of the total Pb in the soil, while the carbonate-associated Pb fraction was increased to 40.0–47.1% at >15% application rates. The thermodynamic modeling on Pb speciation in the soil solution predicted the precipitation of Pb-hydroxide [Pb(OH)2] in soils amended with eggshell and calcined eggshell. The SEM-EDS, XAFS and elemental dot mapping revealed that Pb in soil amended with calcined eggshell was associated with Si and Ca, and may be immobilized by entrapping into calcium-silicate-hydrate. Comparatively, in the soil amended with eggshell, Pb was immobilized via formation of Pb-hydroxide or lanarkite [Pb2O(SO4)]. Applications of amendments increased activities of alkaline phosphatase up to 3.7 times greater than in the control soil. The use of eggshell amendments may have potential as an integrated remediation strategy that enables Pb immobilization and soil biological restoration in shooting range soils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Local self-government systems have been adopted in many countries to supervise local interests in development and provide a range of goods and services to localities. It is believed that awareness of certain issues itself guides duty-bearers to reshape and divert development in a certain direction. In Pakistan, elected representatives in district governments are the key duty-bearers at the local level. Hence, their awareness is indispensable to decision-making for local development and, thus, it is pertinent to assess it from a disability rights perspective. In-depth information collected from two districts has reflected that most of the public representatives are ill-informed about disability, day-to-day problems of disabled persons and their rights, which results in inadvertently disability-biased local development planning. An overriding impression gained from the results is that raising elected representatives’ awareness on disability and the rights of disabled people is imperative to embracing disability rights practice in local development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terms 'empowerment,' 'rights,' and 'inclusiveness' are now commonly used in public policy, but little emphasis is placed on 'accessibility' issues in the integration of disabled people. This article proposes a composite index to measure economic support provisions, such as employment, vocational training, microfinance, and safety nets. The index was tested in a case study (N= 245) of two districts in Pakistan. Results support a 'cost/benefit'-based philosophy, rather than the 'means-ends' goal, where the disabled poor are viewed as unproductive and risky payers, instead of giving them an opportunity to exercise their potential. Change for the disadvantaged poor can be brought about with the mandatory use of this index in local annual audits. Future research might examine the impact of the index and standardize it for global use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pyrolytic temperature had substantial influence on biochar properties. • High-temperature (700 °C) biochar exhibited greater abstraction of NO 3 − from water. • Pore-diffusion and chemisorption governed NO 3 − and PO 4 3− sorption onto biochars. • The N- and P-loaded biochars significantly improved the maize productivity in soil. Biochars were produced by pyrolyzing the rice husk and sawdust at two temperatures of 300 °C (low-temperature) and 700 °C (high-temperature) and tested for the removal performance for nitrates and phosphates in water via batch sorption experiments. The resulting N- and P-loaded biochars were then applied to soil to evaluate their impact on maize growth. Adsorption kinetics experiments indicated a relatively high rate of adsorption of nitrates (up to 2.469 mg g−1 h−1) onto biochars than phosphates (up to 0.456 mg g−1 h−1). The high-temperature biochar showed greater adsorption capacity (up to 95.42 mg g−1) for nitrates, while low-temperature biochar exhibited more adsorption (up to 47.18 mg g−1) for phosphates. Chemisorption was the dominant mechanism for the adsorption of nitrate onto high-temperature biochars, as indicated by the best fitting of the sorption data to the pseudo-second-order model (R2 > 0.96). Phosphate adsorption onto low-temperature biochars was mainly governed by pore diffusion and chemisorption, as predicted from the best fits to the intra-particle diffusion (R2 ≥ 0.96) and pseudo-second-order (R2 ≥ 0.84) models, respectively. The results of plant growth experiments indicated positive effects on maize productivity in soils amended with N- and P-loaded biochars, which was confirmed by the increase in the fresh and dry biomass weights (up to 803 and 733 %, respectively) and greater uptake of essential nutrients (Zn up to 554 %, Mn up to 954 %, Fe up to 325 %, Ca up to 537 % and Mg up to 531 %) in maize plants as compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the need for social service researchers to embrace the global society. It states that technology has allowed almost immediate information from across the globe to be broadcast to the electronic devices where-ever the individual lives. It adds that family systems, worker burnout and other funding and service considerations occur regardless of where someone is located in the global community.

The members of the Enterobacteriaceae family are among the most common causative agents of various clinical infections. Some pathogens produce enzymes to escape the effect of antibiotics and the ESBL enzyme is the new strategy of the bacterial pathogen which is responsible for emerging antimicrobial resistance. The prevalence of Gram Negative bacteria that are usually associated with the production of ESBLs enzymes is on the rise around the globe, both in residing area and hospital setups, as a result, multiple therapeutic problems including antibiotic resistance are being faced. The current study was aimed to look at the characteristics, the pattern of antibiotic resistance, and to estimate the prevalence of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in clinical isolates. The samples after collection were streaked and cultured on MacConkey, and chocolate, and blood agar. The identification of the isolates was done based on various biochemical characteristics, and the API 20-E test. The modified Disc Diffusion method was used to confirm ESBL enzyme synthesis, and the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used to assess antibiotic susceptibility. Out of 121 isolates of E. coli, 51.2% (n=62) were recovered from female patients and 48.8% (n=59) were obtained from male patients. The genotypic detection of ESBL genes was done by PCR followed by gel electrophoresis. Of total 47 E. coli confirmed for the production of ESBLs, 91.4% (n=43) were found harbouring blaCTX-M followed by blaTEM and blaSHV with 21.2% (n=10) and 8.5% (n=4) prevalence. The table gives an overview of ESBL gene distribution in clinically isolated E. coli. The current study indicates the magnitude of antimicrobial resistance and the underlying genes especially the blaCTX-M gene among the E. coli isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conocarpus pruning waste, an agricultural byproduct, was converted into low-cost activated and non-activated carbons and used for the remediation of Cd2+, Cu2+, and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions. The carbonization was carried out at 400 °C, while the activation was carried out in the presence of KOH and ZnCl2. Batch single-solute and multi-solute equilibrium and kinetic experiments were carried out to determine the adsorption capacities of the prepared activated and non-activated carbons, and these were further compared with commercially available activated carbon. The results showed that KOH-activated carbon (CK) outperformed the other activated and non-activated carbons in terms of adsorption efficiency. CK removed >50% of the applied Cd2+ and Cu2+ and 100% of Pb2+ at the initial concentration of 40 mg L-1. Interestingly, the performance of Conocarpusderived non-activated carbon was better than that of the commercial activated carbon, as observed from the Langmuir maximum adsorption capacities of 65.61, 66.12, and 223.05 µmol g-1 for Cd2+, Cu2+, and Pb2+, respectively. The Pb2+ was the metal most easily removed from aqueous solution because of its large ionic radius. The kinetic dynamics were well described by the pseudo-second order and Elovich models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent investigations have shown frequent detection of pharmaceuticals in soils and waters posing potential risks to human and ecological health. Here, we report the enhanced removal of sulfamethazine (SMT) from water by physically activated biochar. Specifically, we investigated the effects of steam-activated biochars synthesized from an invasive plant ( Sicyos angulatus L.) on the sorption of SMT in water. The properties and sorption capacities of steam-activated biochars were compared with those of conventional non-activated slow pyrolyzed biochars. Sorption exhibited pronounced pH dependence, which was consistent with SMT speciation and biochar charge properties. A linear relationship was observed between sorption parameters and biochar properties such as molar elemental ratios, surface area, and pore volumes. The isotherms data were well described by the Freundlich and Temkin models suggesting favorable chemisorption processes and electrostatic interactions between SMT and biochar. The steam-activated biochar produced at 700 °C showed the highest sorption capacity (37.7 mg g −1 ) at pH 3, with a 55% increase in sorption capacity compared to that of non-activated biochar produced at the same temperature. Therefore, steam activation could potentially enhance the sorption capacities of biochars compared to conventional pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited mechanistic knowledge is available on the interaction of biochar with trace elements (Sb and As) that exist predominantly as oxoanions. Soybean stover biochars were produced at 300 °C (SBC300) and 700 °C (SBC700), and characterized by BET, Boehm titration, FT-IR, NMR and Raman spectroscopy. Bound protons were quantified by potentiometric titration, and two acidic sites were used to model biochar by the surface complexation modeling based on Boehm titration and NMR observations. The zero point of charge was observed at pH 7.20 and 7.75 for SBC300 and SBC700, respectively. Neither antimonate (Sb(V)) nor antimonite (Sb(III)) showed ionic strength dependency (0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 M NaNO 3 ), indicating inner sphere complexation. Greater adsorption of Sb(III) and Sb(V) was observed for SBC300 having higher –OH content than SBC700. Sb(III) removal (85%) was greater than Sb(V) removal (68%). Maximum adsorption density for Sb(III) was calculated as 1.88 × 10 −6 mol m −2 . The Triple Layer Model (TLM) successfully described surface complexation of Sb onto soybean stover-derived biochar at pH 4–9, and suggested the formation of monodentate mononuclear and binuclear complexes. Spectroscopic investigations by Raman, FT-IR and XPS further confirmed strong chemisorptive binding of Sb to biochar surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-zerovalent iron (nZVI) is a promising material for the removal of both organic and inorganic pollutants from contaminated water. This study investigates the potential of a novel composite of nZVI on a polymer-derived supporting ceramic (nZVI-PDC) synthesized via the liquid-phase reduction method for the simultaneous adsorption and Fenton-type reduction of bromate anion (BrO 3 −) in water. The nZVI nanoparticles were effectively anchored onto the PDC by impregnating high-yield carbon in a ferrous sulfate solution. The PDC facilitated the uniform dispersion of nZVI nanoparticles due to its multiple active sites distributed within mesocarbon cavities. The developed nZVI-PDC composite exhibited a high specific surface area of 837 m2 g−1 and an ordered mesoporous structure with a pore volume of 0.37 cm3 g−1. As an adsorbent, the nZVI-PDC composite exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity (q e) of 842 mg g−1 and a partition coefficient (K H) of 10.2 mg g−1 μM−1, as calculated by the pseudo-second-order model. As a catalyst, the composite demonstrated a reaction kinetic rate of 43.5 μmol g−1 h−1 within 6 h at pH 4, using a dosage of 60 mg L−1 nZVI-PDC and a concentration of 0.8 mmol L−1 H 2 O 2. Comparatively, PDC exhibited a q e of 408 mg g−1, K H of 1.67 mg g−1 μM−1, and a reaction rate of 20.8 μmol g−1 h−1, while nZVI showed a q e of 456 mg g−1, K H of 2.30 mg g−1 μM−1, and a reaction rate of 27.2 μmol g−1 h−1. The modelling indicated that the nZVI-PDC composite followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The remarkable removal efficiency of the nZVI-PDC composite was attributed to the synergistic effects between PDC and nZVI, where PDC facilitated charge transfer, promoting Fe2+ generation and the Fe3+/Fe2+ cycle. Overall, this work introduces a promising adsorption technology for the efficient removal of BrO 3 − from contaminated aqueous solutions, highlighting the significant potential of the nZVI-PDC composite in water purification applications. [Display omitted] • NZVI/PDC composite was prepared via liquid phase reduction method. • The combined properties of nZVI and PDC enhanced the removal of bromate. • The synergistic effect of the composite promoted Fe2⁺ generation and Fe³⁺/Fe2⁺ cycling. • NZVI anchoring and dispersion in PDC develop a composite with a larger surface area. • NZVI/PDC composite exhibited an outstanding adsorption capacity of 842 mg g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Availability of As increased by applying poultry manure to EDTA amended soil. [•] Chelating agents increased CO2-C efflux, DOC, and metal availability. [•] Chelating agents decreased microbial biomass C and net N mineralization. [•] Poultry manure mitigated the toxicity of synthetic chelators. [•] Poultry manure helped chemically enhanced phytoextraction in particular for As. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of nanotechnology in terms of nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots, when exposed to the plants, helps increase their productivity. It is worth the effort to comprehend the fate of these nanoparticles in plants. Bonechar derived from bones is a rich source of C, P, Ca2+, and Mg2+ nutrients, which can significantly contribute to the growth of the plants. This study focused on the uptake of nano-bonechar (NBC) in the Syngonium podophyllum plant, and its effects on plant growth under hydroponics and soil systems. The compound microscopy and SEM-EDX results confirmed the presence of NBC in the leaves and roots of the plants in hydroponics and soil systems. The FTIR spectra reflected the presence of functional groups of the NBC in the leaves of the Syngonium podophyllum plant. The plant's growth parameters showed an increase in fresh weight, dry weight, shoot length, chlorophyll content, leaf count, total Ca2+, total PO 4 3−, and total organic carbon of plants in both systems. The NBC not just improved plant physiochemical parameters but also built up the soil quality in terms of bioavailable Ca2+, PO 4 3−, water holding capacity, and soil organic matter. It is concluded that the production of carbon-based NBC not only helps manage bone waste but also their efficient uptake in plants significantly improving plant productivity. [Display omitted] • Translocation of nano-bonechar particles was visually observed in the Syngonium podophyllum plant. • Plant productivity was significantly improved with nano-bonechar application in hydroponics and soil systems. • Nano-bonechar also enhanced the plant's nutrient efficiency in both systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride ion (F−) is one of the major geogenic contaminants in water and soil. Excessive consumption of these geogenic contaminants poses serious health impacts on humans and plants. In this study, a novel carbonaceous material, nano-bonechar, was synthesized from cow bones and applied as a soil amendment at rates of 0, 0.5, 1, and 2% to remediate and revitalize naturally F−-contaminated soil. The results revealed that the nano-bonechar significantly reduced the mobility and bioavailability of F− by 90% in the contaminated soil, and improved the soil quality by increasing the soil water holding capacity, soil organic matter, and the bioavailable contents of PO 4 3−, Ca2+, and Na+. Subsequently, the pot experiment results showed a significant reduction in the uptake of F- by 93% in Zea mays plants. Moreover, the nano-bonechar application improved the plant's growth, as indicated by the higher fresh and dry weights, root and shoot lengths, and total content of PO 4 3−, Ca2+, and K+ than those of un-amended soil. The F-immobilization in soil was mainly due to the presence of the hydroxyapatite [Ca 10 (PO 4) 6 (OH) 2 ] mineral in the nano-bonechar. Ion exchange between OH− (of nano-bonechar) and F− (of soil), and the formation of insoluble fluorite (CaF 2) contributed to the attenuation of F− mobility in the soil. It is concluded that nano-bonechar, due to its size and enrichment in hydroxyapatite, could successfully be utilized for the rapid remediation and revitalization of F−-contaminated agricultural soil. [Display omitted] • A novel material, nano-bonechar, was produced from cow bones via pyrolysis and milling. • Nano-bonechar immobilized 90% F− in naturally contaminated agricultural soil. • Nano-bonechar tended to bind F− as fluorite (CaF 2) and fluorapatite [Ca 10 (PO 4) 6 F 2 ]. • F− uptake by Zea mays was significantly reduced by 93% in the amended soil. • PO 4 3−, Ca2+, and K+ uptake by Zea mays significantly enhanced in the amended soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modification of biochar for efficient removal of antibiotics from water could be a valuable approach in the environmental applications. In this study, a brown seaweed (Sargassum crassifolium) was pyrolyzed at 500 °C and the obtained biochar (SWBC) was modified with zeolite through the slurry method maintaining the ratio at 1:5 (zeolite: biochar) (SWBC-Z). Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the adsorption tendency of SWBC and SWBC-Z for the removal of ciprofloxacin (CPX) from water via pH edge, kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamic experiments. The highest adsorption was in the pH range of 6.5–8, supported by the electrostatic attractions and hydrogen bonding with zwitterionic CPX. Experimental kinetics data was well-fitted to the pseudo-second-order and Elovich models (R2 of 0.992 and 0.976, respectively), while the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models best described the isotherm data (R2 of 0.954 and 0.976, respectively). The maximum adsorption capacity of 93.65 mg g−1 was recorded for the SWBC-Z. The models predicted chemisorption and physisorption interactions on the heterogenous biochar surface. Well-defined peaks of silanol groups in the FTIR spectrum of SWBC-Z and its electron microscopy confirmed the incorporation of zeolite minerals. Post adsorption FTIR analysis elucidated the changes in the surface functional groups of the SWBC-Z. Thermodynamic data revealed spontaneous and exothermic reaction between CPX and both the biochars. It was concluded that modification of pristine biochar with zeolite imparted greater surface area and additional active sites, which subsequently enhanced the overall CPX adsorption by the SWBC-Z. [Display omitted] • Seaweed biochar was modified with zeolite, an aluminosilicate material. • The composite performed well for ciprofloxacin adsorption. • Physicochemical properties of seaweed biochar were enhanced by the inclusion of zeolite. • Chemisorption and physisorption and interactions govern the adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rapid industrial development and human activities have caused a degradation of soil quality and fertility. There is increasing interest in rehabilitating low fertility soils to improve crop yield and sustainability. Biochar, a carbonaceous material intentionally produced from biomass, is widely used as an amendment to improve soil fertility by retaining nutrients and, potentially, enhancing nutrient bioavailability. But, biochar is not a simple carbon material with uniform properties, so appropriate biochar selection must consider soil type and target crop. In this respect, many recent studies have evaluated several modification methods to maximize the effectiveness of biochar such as optimizing the pyrolysis process, mixing with other soil amendments, composting with other additives, activating by physicochemical processes, and coating with other organic materials. However, the economic feasibility of biochar application cannot be neglected. Strategies for reducing biochar losses and its application costs, and increasing its use efficiency need to be developed. This review synthesized current understanding and introduces holistic and practical approaches for biochar application to low fertility soils, with consideration of economic aspects. Highlights • Biochar has potential to be the best management practice for low fertility soils. • Biochar coating with organic materials can result in enhanced crop nutrient supply. • Biochar may accelerate the composting process and improve the end-product quality. • The influence of biochar varies strongly according to the types of feedstock/soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biochar is a highly efficient and attractive candidate for remediation of heavy metals in aqueous media, due to its immense porosity and surface functionalities. In this study farmyard and poultry manure were converted to biochars. The biochars' pre- and post-characterization was performed through various analytical techniques such as thermogravimetry, X-ray photon spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The contemporary batch adsorption work articulates the effect of biochars concentration, H+ ion concentration, contact time and temperature on sorption efficiency of Cr(III) ions from aqueous media. The sorption kinetics of Cr(III) was sound tailored to the pseudo-second-order equation which confirmed the chemisorption. The sorption isotherms suggested the well-fitting of Freundlich model due to the unfolding of multilayer adsorption. The Cr(III) sorption was assessed as 37.75 and 33.94 mg/g for farmyard manure and poultry manure-derived biochars, respectively. The thermodynamic values designated the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the reaction. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Biochar showed the potential of Cr(III) removal from aqueous media. • Chemisorption and multi-layer sorption were the prevailing sorption mechanisms. • Cr(OH) 3 and Cr 2 O 3 stable complexes were confirmed by FTIR and XPS. • Manure could be a valuable feedstock for biochar production and metal sorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, poultry manure and farmyard manure-derived biochars were applied as cost-effective adsorbents for manganese (Mn) removal from aqueous media. Effects of functional parameters such as solution pH, contact time, temperature and concentration on the Mn removal efficiency of biochars were evaluated. Poultry manure-derived biochar exhibited greater adsorption efficiency than farmyard manure-derived biochar due to its porosity and surface functionality. The maximum adsorption was achieved at pH 6, temperature 298 K and contact time of 3 h. The adsorption isotherm data was well fitted to the Freundlich model indicating multilayer adsorption onto heterogeneous surfaces of the biochars. Thermodynamics calculations affirmed that Mn adsorption onto biochars was spontaneous and exothermic process governed by hydrogen bonding type of electrostatic interaction. Post-adsorption spectroscopic analysis of Mn-loaded biochars evidenced the binding of Mn with active surface functionalities of biochars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woody biochars derived by pyrolyzing Gliricidia sepium at 300°C and 500°C and a waste byproduct of same biomass from a bioenergy industry (BC700) were tested for their effect on soil enzymes activities and available form of heavy metals in multi-metals contaminated soil. Pot experiments were conducted during 6 weeks with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) at biochar application rates, 1, 2.5, and 5% (w/w). A reduction in polyphenol oxidase with biochars produced at increasing pyrolysis temperature compared to the control whereas the maximum activity of dehydrogenase and catalase was observed in 1% BC500 and 2.5% BC300, respectively. Soil available form of Ni, Mn, and Cr were reduced by 55, 70% and 80% in 5% BC700 amended soil, respectively. The highest geometric mean of enzyme activities was observed in 2.5% BC300 treatment. Overall the application of high dosages of high temperature derived biochar masks/deteriorates soil enzyme activities but immobilizes bioavailable heavy metals and reduces toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar (BC) was produced by pyrolyzing the date palm leaf waste at 600 °C and then loaded with phosphorus (P) via sorption process. Greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the application effects of BC and P-loaded biochar (BCP) on growth and availability of P and heavy metals to maize ( Zea mays L.) plants grown in contaminated mining soil. The treatments consisted of BC and BCP (at application rates of 5, 10, 20, and 30 g kg −1 of soil), recommended NK and NPK, and a control (no amendment). Sorption experiment showed that Langmuir predicted maximum P sorption capacity of BC was 13.71 mg g −1 . Applying BCP increased the soil available P, while BC and BCP significantly decreased the soil labile heavy metals compared to control. Likewise, heavy metals in exchangeable and reducible fractions were transformed to more stable fraction with BC and BCP applications. The highest application rate of BCP (3%) was most effective treatment in enhancing plant growth parameters (shoot and root lengths and dry matter) and uptake of P and heavy metals by 2–3 folds. However, based on metal uptake and phytoextraction indices, total heavy metals extraction by maize plants was very small for practical application. It could be concluded that using P-loaded biochar as a soil additive may be considered a promising tool to immobilize heavy metals in contaminated mining areas, while positive effects on the biomass growth of plants may assist the stabilization of contaminated areas affected by wind and water erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmyard manure (FYM-BC) and poultry manure (PM-BC) derived biochars were applied as adsorbents to remove Cd2+from water. Results indicated that PM-BC was a more efficient adsorbent than FYM-BC at all experimental conditions. Maximum Cd2+adsorption was observed at pH 4, temperature 318 K and contact time 1 h, regardless of biochar type. The Langmuir model predicted maximum adsorption capacity of 90.09 mg g−1for PM-BC. The data fitting to pseudo-second-order model proposed chemisorption of Cd2+onto biochars. Thermodynamics indicated that adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. Post-adsorption analysis provided evidences of strong chemical interactions between biochars’ functional groups and Cd2+ions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich solid product of biomass, and its surface activation via steam have been recognized as alternative economically viable strategy to decontaminate wastewaters. Existence of glyphosate, the most extensively used non-selective herbicide, in waters at elevated concentrations has received worldwide attention due to its ill consequences. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the potential of steam activated BC produced from rice husk (RHBC) via slow pyrolysis at 700 °C to remove glyphosate from aqueous solution. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of pH, reaction time and glyphosate loading on the RHBC adsorption process. Results showed that a maximum removal of glyphosate (82.0%) occurred at pH 4, and the adsorption capacity decreased significantly with increasing pH. Both the Freundlich and Langmuir models fitted best to the equilibrium isotherm data suggesting physisorption as well as chemisorption mechanisms governing the glyphosate adsorption. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity was 123.03 mg/g. The kinetics of the adsorption process was well described by the pseudo-first order indicating that the glyphosate adsorption onto RHBC would be more inclined towards physisorption depending on the initial glyphosate concentration. Pore diffusion, π–π electron donor–acceptor interaction and H-bonding were postulated to be involved in physisorption, whereas electrophilic interactions led to chemisorption type of adsorption. Overall, steam activated RHBC could be a promising remedy of glyphosate removal from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the removal of aqueous glyphosate using woody (dendro) biochar obtained as a waste by product from bioenergy industry. Equilibrium isotherms and kinetics data were obtained by adsorption experiments. Glyphosate adsorption was strongly pH dependent occurring maximum in the pH range of 5–6. The protonated amino moiety of the glyphosate molecule at this pH may interact with π electron rich biochar surface via π–π electron donor–acceptor interactions. Isotherm data were best fitted to the Freundlich and Temkin models indicating multilayer sorption of glyphosate. The maximum adsorption capacity of dendro biochar for glyphosate was determined by the isotherm modeling to be as 44 mg/g. Adsorption seemed to be quite fast, reaching the equilibrium <1 h. Pseudo-second order model was found to be the most effective in describing kinetics whereas the rate limiting step possibly be chemical adsorption involving valence forces through sharing or exchanging electrons between the adsorbent and sorbate. The FTIR spectral analysis indicated the involvement of functional groups such as phenolic, amine, carboxylic and phosphate in adsorption. Hence, a heterogeneous chemisorption process between adsorbate molecules and functional groups on biochar surface can be suggested as the mechanisms involved in glyphosate removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have reported the positive effect of biochar on soil carbon sequestration and soil fertility improvement in acidic soils. However, biochar may have different impacts on calcareous sandy soils. A 90-day incubation experiment was conducted to quantify the effects of woody waste biochar (10 g kg −1 ) on CO 2 –C emissions, K 2 SO 4 -extractable C and macro-( N , P and K ) and micro-(Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) nutrient availability in the presence or absence of poultry manure (5 g kg −1 soil). The following six treatments were applied: (1) conocarpus ( Conocarpus erectus L.) waste (CW), (2) conocarpus biochar (BC), (3) poultry manure (PM), (4) PM + CW, (5) PM + BC and (6) untreated soil (CK). Poultry manure increased CO 2 –C emissions and K 2 SO 4 -extractable C, and the highest increases in CO 2 –C emission rate and cumulative CO 2 –C and K 2 SO 4 -extractable C were observed for the PM + CW treatment. On the contrary, treatments with BC halted the CO 2 –C emission rate, indicating that the contribution of BC to CO 2 –C emissions is negligible compared with the soils amended with CW and PM. Furthermore, the combined addition of PM + BC increased available N , P and K compared with the PM or BC treatments. Overall, the incorporation of biochar into calcareous soils might have benefits in carbon sequestration and soil fertility improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochars (BC) were prepared from date palm waste to investigate the influence of pyrolysis temperature (300–800 °C) on composition and surface chemistry of BC. The results showed that fixed C, ash and basic cations of BC increased while its moisture, volatiles and elemental composition (O, H, N and S) decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature. As the surface basicity of biochar increased by increasing pyrolysis temperature, the values of pH and pHpzc were increased. The biochars produced at low pyrolysis temperature do possess some functional properties of their feedstock, whereas the aromatic functional units in biochar samples were condensed with increasing pyrolysis temperature. In this context, readily and potentially labile C oxidized using KMNO 4 and K 2 Cr 2 O 7 decreased with pyrolysis temperature, whereas recalcitrant C followed the opposite trend. Stronger correlations were found between volatile matter and O/C ( r 2 = 0.9971) than those conducted between volatile matter and H/C ( r 2 = 0.9325). Date palm-derived BC at ≥500 °C with a volatile matter less than 10% and O/C of 0.02–0.05, could be more appropriate for C sequestration. The BC may thus represent potential alternative materials for environmental management, depending upon pyrolysis temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfamethazine (SMT) as a veterinary drug has been detected frequently in the environment. In this study, six biochars produced from tea waste (TW) at 300 and 700 °C with or without N2 and steam activation were characterized and evaluated for SMT sorption in water. The sorption of SMT was interpreted as a function of biochar production condition, SMT concentration, pH and physicochemical characteristics of biochar. Distribution coefficient data showed high sorption of SMT at low pH (∼3) and the highest sorption density of 33.81 mg g-1 was achieved by the steam activated biochar produced at 700 °C. The steam activation process increased the adsorption capacity by increasing the surface area of the biochar. The p-p electron donor-acceptor interaction, cation-p interaction and cation exchange at low pH were the primary mechanisms governing SMT retention by biochars. Overall, steam activated tea waste biochar could be a promising remedy of SMT removal from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mesoporous polymer-derived carbon (PDC) was prepared via cross-linking and pyrolysis. • High-yield carbon and mesoporous network structure enhanced coordination ability. • PDC performance was controlled by surface area, porosity, and abundant active sites. • The high charge storage and retention capacity of the PDC were achieved. • PDC showed a record Zn2+ adsorption and partition coefficient. Controlled cross-linking and continuous pyrolysis can alter the mesoporous structure of polymer-derived carbon (PDC). The PDC with ordered mesoporous structure was prepared under argon atmosphere via pyrolysis of cross-linked phenolic resins. When PDC employed as an adsorbent for the Zn2+ removal from water, it exhibited a record adsorption capacity of 43.06 mg g−1 and partition coefficient of 5.385 mg g−1 µM−1 at 1.0 mg L−1 Zn2+ concentration. The reusability test indicated the effective use of PDC with an adsorption efficiency of 72.66% in the acidic phase. The PDC half-cell anode further displayed an impressive retention capacity of 606 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 with a Coulombic efficiency of > 99% over 500 cycles. The capacitive charge storage and diffusion control contribution of 64.16 and 35.84%, respectively, at 0.1 mV s−1 was observed. The dominant charge storage kinetic analysis indicated that the defective site of carbon-ceramic and redox reaction within the PDCs matrix facilitated the short ionic diffusion and fast electron transference. The experimental and empirical results advocated that the π-π interaction with Zn2+ may jointly stimulate the adsorption process, and with metallic lithium improve the electrochemical process, thus providing new insights into the development of PDC for metals adsorption and electrochemical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) is a hazardous chlorinated organic chemical derived from phenol that exerts serious effects on living organisms. In the present study, SnO 2 templated with grapefruit peel carbon as a nanocomposite (SnO 2 @GPC) was designed via ball-milling, and its mechanism of 2,4-DCP adsorption in aqueous solution was determined. Batch adsorption experiments revealed that the maximum adsorption efficiency of SnO 2 @GPC occurred at 6.0 pH, 3 mg L−1 initial adsorbate concentration, 2 h contact time, and 293 K temperature. The SnO 2 @GPC nanocomposite and its non-tin-bearing counterpart, grapefruit derived char (@GPC), showed maximum adsorption capacities (Q L) of 45.95 and 22.09 mg g−1 and partition coefficients of 41.77 and 10.83 mg g−1 μM−1, respectively. The adsorption of 2,4-DCP was best described by the Redlich−Peterson model followed by the Langmuir model with high correlation coefficients (R2 ≥ 0.96), and the adsorption kinetic data best fitted the pseudo-second-order model (R2 ≥ 0.98). The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the reaction was spontaneous, exothermic, and involved high affinity between SnO 2 @GPC and 2,4-DCP. The high desorption efficiency obtained (>80%) demonstrated the recyclability of the adsorbent. The enhanced Q L of SnO 2 @GPC was due to the effective combination of GPC and SnO 2. A thin porous layer of GPC on SnO 2 nanoparticles provided effective channels, a large surface area, and an abundance of active sites for 2,4-DCP adsorption. Thus, the SnO 2 @GPC nanocomposite could potentially be used as a low-cost adsorbent to remove 2,4-DCP from water. Image 1 • A nano-composite was synthesized via simple single-step ball milling strategy. • The combined properties of SnO 2 and GPC enhanced the removal of 2,4-DCP. • The removal was controlled by functional moieties of the composite and contaminant. • π-π electron-donor-acceptor connections with covalent bonding favored adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]