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Nitrification is the core step of the soil nitrogen cycle and directly affects the nitrogen use efficiency in agricultural systems. Biochar and gypsum are two important soil amendments widely used in coastal saline farmland. However, little is known about their effects on nitrification and ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms. A one-year pot experiment with three treatments including biochar application (BC), gypsum application (SG), and no amendment (CK) was conducted, and the responses of the nitrification rate, amoA gene copies, and the diversity and community structure of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) to biochar and gypsum were evaluated. The results indicated that biochar and gypsum application both resulted in alterations to the soil properties. They both had inhibiting effects on nitrification and AOB amoA gene copies, whereas they had no significant effect on AOA amoA gene copies. Biochar had no significant effect on the diversity indexes of AOA, but it significantly reduced the Shannon index of AOB. Meanwhile, gypsum had no significant influence on the diversity indexes of both AOA and AOB. Biochar and gypsum did not significantly affect the community structure of AOA but did induce changes in that of AOB. In detail, biochar significantly enhanced the relative abundance of the dominant cluster Nitrosospira, whereas gypsum led to a notable increase in the relative abundance of unclassified_o_Nitrosomonadales. The Shannon index of AOB had a significant negative correlation with soil TOC, TN, and NH4+ content, and soil pH was the first primary environmental factor that affected the AOB community structure. In conclusion, biochar and gypsum inhibited nitrification by suppressing the activities of AOB and changed the diversities and community structure of AOB by altering related soil properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is widely used to maintain crop yields and the sustainability of agroecosystems due to its characteristics. However, its effect on vegetable yield and quality in southern acidic soils has not been fully elucidated. The effects of two kinds of biochar application rates (3 t ha−1 and 12 t ha−1) on the nutrient availability, nutrient absorption, yield, and fruit quality of sandy acid oxide soil in South China were studied in a 2-year field experiment using two varieties of wax gourd (Tiezhu No. 2 and Dadao). The results showed that optimized fertilization (OPT, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were reduced by 20.0%, 20.6%, and 21.1%, respectively) did not reduce the yield of the different varieties of wax gourd compared to FP (farmer practice). On the basis of the OPT treatment, the application of biochar increased the yield of Tiezhu No. 2 and Dadao wax gourd by 16.0–27.3% and 7.7–13.3%, respectively. The increase in yield was attributed to the improvement in soil organic carbon content which increased by 4.5–19.7%, nutrient effectiveness (NO3−-N and Olsen-P content enhanced by 23.7–27.0% and 15.3–23.4% in Tiezhu No. 2), and nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg accumulation increased significantly by 21.1%, 46.1%, 36.8%, 25.7%, and 31.9%, respectively) by the plant after the biochar application. Different types of biochar also have some differences in these three aspects. Specifically, under the same dosage, rice biochar has a more significant effect on increasing the yield of winter melon, and has a better effect on the improvement of soil physical and chemical properties, while sawdust biochar has a more significant effect on nutrient absorption. In addition, the commercial quality, namely hardness and glossiness, and the nutritional quality, namely soluble sugar, soluble protein, VC content, and sugar–acid ratio of wax gourd fruits, were significantly improved after the biochar application. In summary, biochar application on acidic soils in South China could achieve a win–win situation in terms of increasing soil nutrient effectiveness to improve vegetable yield and quality while reducing chemical fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agricultural production, it is crucial to increase the availability of phosphorus (P) in cultivated soil to solve the P limitation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been proven to promote crop nutrient absorption effectively, while biochar can lead to improvements in soil properties. However, the possible synergistic effect of AMF and biochar on P uptake by crops as well as its underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we conducted a pot experiment to explore the effects of biochar and AMF (Glomus etunicatum) on the community of rhizospheric phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) of maize (Zea mays L. Xianyu-335) using metagenomic methods. The experiment used 0 mg P2O5 g·kg−1 soil (P0) and 30 mg P2O5 g·kg−1 soil (P30) application rates. Each P application rate included 0 (NC), 20 g·kg−1 biochar (BC) addition, inoculation AMF, and without AMF treatments (NM) for a total of eight treatments. During the experiment, both the P uptake and the biomass of maize were measured. The study found that the combination of AMF and biochar significantly increased the mycorrhizal colonization rate of maize roots, regardless of P application level. It was observed that the P uptake by maize was significantly increased when exposed to a combination of AMF and biochar. The increase in P uptake in P0 treatments was 67% higher than the sum of the effects of biochar and AMF inoculation alone. The increase was only 35% higher in P30 treatments, demonstrating a substantially higher interactive effect under P0 than under P30 conditions. The AM-BC treatments significantly increased the abundance of Streptomyces, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, genera that are known to contain PSMs. In addition, the abundance of genes related to P-cycling (gcd, phoD, and ugpQ) in PSMs increased significantly by 1.5–1.8 times in AM-BC treatments compared with NM-BC and AM-NC treatments under P0 conditions. This increase was significantly and positively correlated with the P uptake. Overall, the results suggest that biochar can help AMF colonize the roots, increasing the functional roles of PSMs in the rhizosphere, which in turn promotes P uptake and biomass in maize. This study provides a new way to improve P-use efficiency and reduce the need for P-fertilizer application in agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, ZnO/g-C3N4/biochar was prepared, and it was used for visible-light driven photocatalytic degradation of some colorants (methylene blue, rhodamine B, methyl orange) and some antibiotics (doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, amoxicilline). Biochar was prepared by pyrolysing Phragmites australis biomass. The ZnO/g-C3N4/biochar composite was synthesized with the alkaline hydrolysis method. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transition electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray/elemental mapping, ultraviolet-visible-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that ZnO nanoparticles with a large surface area are highly dispersed on the g-C3N4 particle surface and biochar. The composite exhibits superior photocatalytic degradation ability toward doxycycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the tetracycline compared with individual components (ZnO or g-C3N4) and satisfies stability after six treatment cycles. The kinetics and degradation mechanisms of doxycyline were also addressed. In addition, the present catalyst also exhibits the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, rhodamine B, methyl orange, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin in visible-light regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive industrial release of trace elements may pose a great risk to the environment. Conventional remediation treatments have considerable limitations, making less expensive new technologies an important research area. Batch experiments were conducted at room temperature to investigate the use of two lignite‐derived humic products (nano‐humus and humic powder) and a cattle manure biochar as adsorbents in the removal of cadmium and zinc from laboratory synthesized water. Nano‐humus was most effective in adsorbing Cd(II), wherein 89% adsorption was rapidly achieved in 15 min. The adsorbed amount of Cd(II) and Zn(II) both increased with initial metal ion concentrations from 25 to 125 mg L−1. Despite being produced from the same sources, nano‐humus and humic powder showed different properties and adsorption behaviors. The adsorption mechanism of nano‐humus followed the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, indicating multilayer chemisorption. Humic powder followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, although it had a low isotherm model fit, implying chemisorption‐dominated adsorption. Cattle manure biochar followed the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo‐first‐order kinetics model, suggesting diffusion‐dominated multilayer adsorption. Of the three adsorbents tested, nano‐humus had greatest potential as an effective and inexpensive material for metal remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy application potential from the abundant biomass residues is inadequately exploited. Over-dependence on forest trees, its negative environmental impacts, and ever-rising energy costs require alternative production technologies including briquetting. The physico-mechanical and combustion properties of binderless and bindered Alstonia boonei sawdust and Theobroma cacao (cocoa) pod briquettes, carbonized in a steel kiln (at 410±5°C, and a heating rate of 4°C/min from the ambient temperature of 25°C), piston-pressed at 9.0 MPa, were studied. The binders were starch, wax, and clay. Starch-bindered T. cacao pod briquettes recorded the maximum bulk density (640 kg/cm3), while basic density was greatest for sawdust/clay briquette (433 kg/cm3). Sawdust/wax briquette produced much Water Resistance Capacity (76.76%) with safer carbon monoxide (CO) emissions (0.67 ppm). A. boonei sawdust/starch briquettes recorded the greatest calorific value (24.023 MJ/kg), least specific fuel consumption (0.0483 kg/l), and slowest burning rate (0.0005 kg/min). All but T. cacao pod/starch and Sawdust/starch emitted CO below the safe air quality Standard of ≤ 6ppm (24h mean). Binderless sawdust, sawdust/starch and T. cacao pod/starch briquettes recorded 47.86, 20.95 and 11.40 μg/m3 particulate matter (PM2.5) respectively, which are below WHO Air Quality Standard safe for domestic uses. Binderless T. cacao pod produced more harmful CO and PM2.5 than its non-bindered A. boonei sawdust counterpart. Clay-bindered briquettes were the most durable. Briquetting, 'a waste-to-energy technology', enhances bio-residue management for domestic and industrial spaces in the global energy mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation presented a novel finding regarding mitigating stress induced by chlorpyrifos in Eisenia fetida by incorporating biochar derived from rice straw and fly ash as soil amendments. It was observed that phenolic compounds exhibit solubility in methanol, and the methanolic fraction exhibited notable inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation and displayed antioxidant properties. The defence mechanism of E. fetida, comprising catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and various other enzymes, remained effective in neutralizing stressors without disruption when the earthworm was subjected to diverse chemical agents or stressful conditions. These enzymes served as indicative markers of toxicity induced by pesticide exposure, even at sublethal concentrations. The scavenging of free radicals by these enzymes ultimately safeguarded the organism. Fly ash and biochar emerged as two organic alternatives capable of alleviating stress by providing a protective mechanism. In this context, the study examined the impact of biochar and fly ash amendments on earthworm biomarkers. The mortality rate at the median lethal concentration of chlorpyrifos was reduced to less than 50% through 3% and 5% modifications. In contrast to the non-amendment group exposed to sublethal doses, the amendment group exhibited higher levels of oxidative stress and lower protein content. This observation indicated the presence of stress induced by the accumulation of free radicals, which increased in number with higher doses of chlorpyrifos. Moreover, the study highlighted the interconnected nature of total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic capacity values, with a decrease in these parameters signifying a shift in earthworm biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handling of agricultural residues is a major concern today, since they pose a serious threat to the environment. Pyrolysis is one among the different techniques explored across the globe towards the effective conversion of these crop residues into various useful products. In this work, the degradation behaviour of corn husk loaded with tin oxide nanoparticles and raw corn husk are characterized separately by employing thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). From the thermograms obtained, the energy required for facilitating the degradation process with the aid of the catalyst is found to be 98.48 kJ/mol. Further, the corn husk loaded with prepared tin oxide nanoparticles (0.1 g& 0.2 g) is subjected to pyrolytic degradation at different temperature ranges from 400 °C to 550 °C and compared with thermal pyrolysis. The biochar retained from the pyrolysis process is investigated for its efficacy as an energy storage material after coating them over graphite sheet. Electrochemical analysis reveals the fabricated SnO2/biochar nanocomposite have excellent energy storage characteristics (205 F/g at a scan rate of 10 mV/s) which was attributed to the presence of facile architecture with porous surface area. The outcomes of the present study open fresh gateways for the innovative electrodes in energy domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for grapevine planting materials, due to growing global viticulture, is promoting research studies to improve vineyard sustainability. In greenhouse nurseries, peat is the most common growing medium component used although is an expensive and non-renewable material. Indeed, the reduction of peat exploitation is receiving great attention, and currently, several materials are being investigated as peat substitutes for composing the cultivation substrates. Biochar, a carbon-rich, recalcitrant charred organic co-product of the pyrolysis or gasification process, has emerged as a potentially promising replacement for soilless substrates in nursery plant material propagation. Although several studies carried out at greenhouse nurseries have shown that biochar, can improve plant growth, only a few studies have focused on the production of grapevine plant material. To fulfil this knowledge gap and push forward the sustainability of the nursery sector, we evaluated above and below-ground morpho-physiological traits of one-year-old potted grapevine cuttings growing with 30% volume of four different biochar types (i.e., from pyrolysis and gasification) mixed with commercial peat. The present study shows that biochar can be used in growing media mixes without adverse effects on roots, improves soil water retention and leaf water potential, and improves the effects on soil microbiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional electron tomography was employed to carry out a thorough and quantitative analysis of the porosity in biomass tobacco and its resulting carbon materials. The findings suggest that the porosity features are largely inherited from the biomass to its resulting carbon materials, and that mesoporosity could be further increased by altering the pyrolysis temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration and development of efficient and cost-effective oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for non-metallic biomass have emerged as a crucial avenue for synthesizing diverse carbon nanomaterials. We synthesized a nitrogen and sulfur co-doped porous three-dimensional graphene-like carbon nanosheet. The present study employed Ginkgo biloba leaves as the raw material, and a significant number of nanopores were obtained through pre-carbonization treatment followed by high-temperature activation treatment using KOH, along with acidification to eliminate inorganic minerals. The specific surface area of the carbon material was increased to 2219.64 m2 g−1, resulting in enhanced electrocatalytic performance. The results demonstrate that the optimized N,S co-doped carbon material (TKGLC-2) outperformed 20 wt% Pt/C in all key electrochemical performance parameters as an ORR catalyst. The exceptional ORR properties, ease of preparation, and large surface area suggest that the findings offer a promising prototype template for designing and constructing reliable biochar derived from biomass for potential electrochemical energy and storage applications. This highlights its feasibility as an ORR electrocatalyst in potential applications such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the European circular economy, agricultural practices introduce pharmaceutical (PhAC) residues into the terrestrial environment, posing a potential risk to earthworms. This study aimed to assess earthworm bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), the ecotoxicological effects of PhACs, the impact of biochar on PhAC bioavailability to earthworms, and their persistence in soil and investigate earthworm uptake mechanisms along with the spatial distribution of PhACs. Therefore, earthworms were exposed to contaminated soil for 21 days. The results revealed that BAFs ranged from 0.0216 to 0.329, with no significant ecotoxicological effects on earthworm weight or mortality (p > 0.05). Biochar significantly influenced the uptake of 14 PhACs on the first day (p < 0.05), with diminishing effects over time, and affected significantly the soil-degradation kinetics of 16 PhACs. Moreover, MALDI-MS analysis revealed that PhAC uptake occurs through both the dermal and oral pathways, as pharmaceuticals were distributed throughout the entire earthworm tissue without specific localization. In conclusion, this study suggests ineffective PhAC accumulation in earthworms, highlights the influence of biochar on PhAC degradation rates in soil, and suggests that uptake can occur through both earthworm skin and oral ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochars derived from apple pomace (AP-BC) and industrial wastewater sludge (IS-BC) were used to investigate adsorption performance and mechanism for removing carbendazim from water and compare its performance with commercial biochar (commercial BC). The results showed that the adsorption capacity of AP-BC and IS-BC were 76 mg g−1 and 82 mg g−1 respectively that was comparable with the commercial BC (80 mg g−1). The adsorption kinetics and isotherms were best described by the Pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models. Thermodynamic analysis suggested that higher temperatures can enhance the mobility of molecules, increased mobility facilitates more frequent and stronger interactions between the adsorbate molecules and the surface of the adsorbent material, leading to greater adsorption capacity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed carbendazim's weak electrophilic nature, supporting the primary physisorption mechanism. Even after five cycles of recycling, both biochars maintained a consistent carbendazim removal efficiency of around 82%, highlighting their high reusability. In this study, the examination of waste-derived biochar's economic feasibility revealed that using biochars derived from waste biomass for large-scale wastewater treatment applications is an economically viable choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermal synthesis method was employed in this work to prepare CdS/TiO2 corn straw biochar photocatalytic composite materials suitable for synergistic hydrogen production with the photocatalytic reduction of CO2. The structure and synergistic reaction of these composite materials were characterized by its photogenerated electron transfer process. Compared with pure TiO2, the energy band gap of the optimal CdS/TiO2 corn straw biochar composite material was reduced to 2.89 eV. The heterostructure coupling between TiO2 and CdS in the biochar accelerated the transfer of photogenerated electrons and reduced the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes. Under visible light irradiation, the photocatalytic H2 yield of this CdS/TiO2 corn straw-derived biochar composite material was 1200 µmol·h−1·g−1, the CO yield was 150 µmol·h−1·g−1, and the CH4 yield was 55 µmol·h−1·g−1. The key to this synergistic reaction is the formation of heterojunctions between CdS and TiO2 as well as the rapid oxidation of holes in the composite material caused by the doping of biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel integrated removal strategy was developed to enhance the concurrent elimination of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), oxytetracycline (OTC), and enrofloxacin (ENR) from the aqueous environments. The underlying adsorption mechanisms of spent mushroom substrate (SMSB) and the Herbaspirillum huttiense strain (HHS1), and their efficacy in removing Cu, Zn, OTC, and ENR was also examined. Results showed that the SMSB-HHS1 composite stabilized 29.86% of Cu and 49.75% of Zn and achieved removal rates of 97.95% for OTC and 59.35% for ENR through a combination of chemisorption and biodegradation. Zinc did not affect Cu adsorption, and ENR did not impact the adsorption of OTC on SMSB. However, the co-presence of OTC and ENR modified the adsorption behaviors of both Cu and Zn. Copper and Zn enhanced the adsorption of OTC and ENR by serving as bridging agents, facilitating the interaction between the contaminants and SMSB. Conversely, OTC and ENR inhibited the adsorption process of Cu by obstructing its interaction with the SMSB and occupying the oxygen-containing functional groups. The ‒OH (3415 cm−1) and C–O–C (1059 cm−1) functional groups were identified as the principal active sites to form hydrogen bonds and interact with Cu and Zn, leading to the formation of CuP4O11 and Zn4CO3(OH)6H2O. HHS1 also enhanced antibiotic removal through biodegradation, as evidenced by the decrease of ‒C‒O and increase of ‒C = O groups. This study underscores the innovative potential of the SMSB-HHS1 composite, offering a sustainable approach to addressing multifaceted pollution challenges in the aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agronomic use of compost and biochar as soil amendments may exhibit contrasting results in terms of soil fertility and plant nutrition. The effects of the biennial application of biochar, compost and a blend of compost:biochar (90:10; % dw:dw) on the agronomical performance of an organically managed and well established 25-year-old olive orchard was assessed 5 years after the initial application. The agronomical evaluation was based on the assessment of the soil physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, and the assessment of the soil fertility by both crop production and nutritional status of the orchard, and the bioassay with olive plantlets. Biochar mainly benefited the physical properties (bulk density, total porosity, aeration, water retention capacity) of soil, especially in the top 0–5 cm. Compost and its blend with biochar improved microbial activity, soil nutritional status (increasing the content of soluble organic C, N, and P) and favoured the formation of aggregates in soil. The bioassay conducted with young plantlets confirmed the enhanced soil fertility status in the three amended treatments, particularly in the case of biochar and its blend with compost. However, this effect was not significantly observed in the adult plants after 5 years of application, reflecting the slow response of adult olive trees to changes in fertilization. Based on these results, alongside the desirable long-residence time of biochar in soil and the ready availability of compost, the blend of biochar with compost assayed in this study is defined as a valid strategy for preparing high quality soil organic amendments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry manure (PM) has demonstrated its potential to enhance crop nutritional quality. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of knowledge regarding its synergistic effects when combined with wood biochar (B) on the nutrient concentrations in sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea batatas L.) and the mineral content stored in sweet potato storage roots. Hence, a two-year field trial was undertaken during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons in southwestern Nigeria, spanning two locations (Owo—site A and Obasooto—site B), to jointly apply poultry manure and wood biochar as soil amendments aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of sweet potato crop. Each year, the experiment involved different combinations of poultry manure at rates of 0, 5.0, and 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at rates of 0, 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 t ha−1, organized in a 3 × 4 factorial layout. The results of the present study demonstrated that the individual application of poultry manure (PM), biochar (B), or their combination had a significant positive impact on the nutrient composition of sweet potato leaves and minerals stored in the sweet potato storage roots, with notable synergistic effects between poultry manure and biochar (PM × B) in enhancing these parameters. This highlights the potential of biochar to enhance the efficiency of poultry manure utilization and improve nutrient utilization from poultry manure. The highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 (PM10 + B30), resulted in the highest leaf nutrient concentrations and mineral composition compared to other treatments at both sites. Averaged over two years, the highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 (PM10 + B30) significantly increased sweet potato leaf nutrient concentrations: nitrogen by 88.2%, phosphorus by 416.7%, potassium by 123.8%, calcium by 927.3%, and magnesium by 333.3%, compared to those in the control (PM0 + B0). The same treatment increased the concentration of sweet potato root storage minerals: phosphorus by 152.5%, potassium by 77.4%, calcium by 205.5%, magnesium by 294.6%, iron by 268.4%, zinc by 228.6%, and sodium by 433.3%, compared to the control. The highest application rate of poultry manure at 10.0 t ha−1 and biochar at 30.0 t ha−1 yielded the highest economic profitability in terms of gross margin (44,034 US$ ha−1), net return (30,038 US$ ha−1) and return rate or value-to-cost ratio (VCR) (263). The results suggested that the application of poultry manure at 10 t ha−1 and biochar at 30 t ha−1 is economically profitable in the study areas and under similar agroecological zones and soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanized biochar field application remains challenging due to biochar's poor flowability and bulk density. Granulation of biochar with fertilizer provides a product ready for application with well-established machinery. However, it's unknown whether granulated biochar-based fertilizers (gBBF) are as effective as co-application of non-granulated biochar with fertilizer. Here, we compared a gBBF with a mineral compound fertilizer (control), and with a non-granulated biochar that was co-applied at a rate of 1.1 t ha−1 with the fertilizer in a white cabbage greenhouse pot trial. Half the pots received heavy rain simulation treatments to investigate nutrient leaching. Crop yields were not significantly increased by biochar without leaching compared to the control. With leaching, cabbage yield increased with gBBF and biochar-co-application by 14% (p > 0.05) and 34% (p < 0.05), respectively. Nitrogen leaching was reduced by 26–35% with both biochar amendments. Biochar significantly reduced potassium, magnesium, and sulfur leaching. Most nitrogen associated with gBBF was released during the trial and the granulated biochar regained its microporosity. Enriching fertilizers with biochar by granulation or co-application can improve crop yields and decrease nutrient leaching. While the gBBF yielded less biomass compared to biochar co-application, improved mechanized field application after granulation could facilitate the implementation of biochar application in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxytetracycline (OTC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) contamination have caused serious risks to human health, and modified biochar is considered as a potential adsorbent for their removal. The typical agricultural waste of cotton husk was used as the feedstock, then was combined with γ-Fe2O3 and ball milling to innovatively synthesize nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) supporting magnetic cotton hush-derived biochar (Fe2O3@BMBC) by reductive calcination. Fe2O3@BMBC performed excellent adsorption performance with a maximum adsorption capacity for OTC (266.7 mg·g−1) and CIP (83.36 mg·g−1), and its adsorption capacity was 1.6 and 2.3 times that of cotton husk biochar (BC). Characterization analysis showed that Fe2O3@BMBC contained abundant oxygenated functional groups (e.g., -OH, C = O and Fe–O) and its surface was covered by diverse iron oxides. The high magnetization sensitivity of Fe2O3@BMBC guaranteed that it was easily to be separated by a magnet. Oxygenated functional groups (e.g., -OH, C = O and Fe–O) participated in the adsorption process, and solution pH significantly affected the adsorption behaviour, and pseudo-second-order model and Freundlich model better fitting the kinetics and isotherms data. These results confirmed that π-π conjugation, H-bonding, Fe–O complexation and electrostatic interactions contributed to the greater adsorption capacity of Fe2O3@BMBC. Ethanol + ultrasound could efficiently regenerate the used Fe2O3@BMBC and maintain its sustainable adsorption performance for OTC and CIP. Additionally, Fe2O3@BMBC performed a good environmental security in a wide pH range (from 3 to 11) in view of the low leaching risk of Fe. Highlights: • Fe2O3@BMBC was synthesized from cotton hush and γ-Fe2O3 by reductive calcination and ball milling. • Fe2O3@BMBC showed the excellent adsorption performance for OTC and CIP. • Multiple physicochemical forces contributed to OTC and CIP removal by Fe2O3@BMBC. • Ethanol + ultrasound could efficiently regenerate the used Fe2O3@BMBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work aimed to study the kinetics and isotherms of adsorption of mixture of four pesticides (atrazine, chlorothalanil, β-endosulfan, and α-endosulfan) from aqueous solution on activated carbon (AC) and biochar (BCH) under the effect of ultrasonic media. The optimized pH, sonication time, solution initial concentration, adsorbent dose, adsorbent particle size, solution temperatures, and sonication power (US-power) for the maximum adsorption rate were found to be 7, 60 min, 10 µg Lˉ1, 200 µg Lˉ1, 20 µm, 288, and 80 W, respectively. Pesticides adsorption was enhanced by increasing pH to 7, while slight decreases were noted when pH increases from 7 to 9. The adsorption equilibrium data were well described by the Langmuir isotherm model having a significant correlation coefficient value of 0.9999. The kinetics model of pseudo-second order was perceived to best describe the adsorptions data. Negative values of standard Gibb's free energy (ΔG) were observed for thermodynamics analysis, signifying the process's spontaneity. The positive value observed for enthalpy change (ΔH) shows that the reaction's nature is endothermic with randomness intensifying due to positive entropy change. The adsorbents' high adsorptions efficiency designates its appropriateness for the remediation of pesticides from synthesized aqueous solutions and water-containing bodies. No previous ultrasonic-assisted adsorption study on AC and BCH has been recorded for the pesticides in reference, which shows the significance and novelty of the current research study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar-based fertilizers prepared through co-pyrolysis of biomass with phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) present an attractive alternative over conventional fertilizers to improve P delivery to crops. Here, sugarcane filter cake was treated with MgO and H3PO4 at different Mg:P ratios (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2) followed by pyrolysis at 600 °C. The resulting modified biochars were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and total Mg and P. The extractable P was measured in deionized (DI) water and 2% formic acid, and the kinetic phosphate release in DI water was monitored over 240 h. Increasing the Mg:P ratio in the biochar greatly increased the total and extractable P in 2% formic acid but resulted in a lower kinetic phosphate release in DI water. This was explained by a change in P speciation (from crystalline pyrophosphate towards amorphous orthophosphate) and increase in biochar pH with increasing Mg contents. The higher 2% formic acid-extractable P and lower water-soluble P at high Mg:P ratios suggested that the P is potentially highly available to crops while having a reduced risk for P loss to surface waters. Their high pH makes these Mg- and P-rich biochar-based fertilizers potentially attractive for application in acidic soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isatis indigotica Fort. root (Ban-lan-gen, IIR), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has an ancient and well-documented history for its medicinal properties. Aside from epigoitrin, indole alkaloids, and their corresponding derivatives as medicinal ingredients, it also contains lots of biomass such as starch. Herein, a new starch was isolated from IIR and the physicochemical properties such as amylose content, moisture content, ash content, morphology, thermal properties, and crystallography were characterized systematically. The amylose content of IIR starch was 19.84 ± 0.85%, and the size and shape of starch granules is ellipsoidal shape with sizes from 2 to 10 μm. IIR starch exhibited a C-type pattern and had 25.92% crystallinity (higher than that of corn starch). The gelatinization temperature of IIR starch was 58.68–75.41 °C, and its gelatinization enthalpy was ΔHgel = 4.33 J/g. After decocting, the IIR's residues can be used to prepare anhydro-sugars in a polar aprotic solvent. The total carbon yield of levoglucosan (LG), levoglucosenone (LGO), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and furfural (FF) could reach 69.81% from IIR's decoction residues in 1,4-dioxane with 15 mM H2SO4 as the catalyst. Further, the residues after dehydration were prepared into biochar by thermochemical conversion and the BET surface area of biochar was 1749.46 m2/g which has good application prospect in soil improvement and alleviates obstacles of IIR continuous cropping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean straw (SS) enriched nitrogen-containing functional groups was used as a raw material to prepare biochar by combining CO2 and ultraviolet (UV) modification, which had high adsorption performance on SO2 and dichloromethane (DCM). The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effects of retention time, flow rate of CO2, and activation temperature on the adsorption performance of biochar. On the basis of this, further UV modification was carried out, and the dynamic adsorption curves were fitted by using the Yoon-Nelson and Thomas models. The results showed that the optimal activation condition for preparing the desulfurized biochar was activation temperature of 788 ℃, CO2 flow rate of 400 ml/min, retention time of 57 min, UV modification temperature of 100 ℃, and time of 12 h, while that of the DCM removal biochar was activation temperature of 783 ℃, CO2 flow rate of 550 ml/min, retention time of 47 min, UV modification temperature of 200 ℃, and time of 12 h, and the adsorption values of SO2 and DCM at this time were 100.181 mg/g and 75.598 mg/g, respectively. Compared with the pyrolysis carbon (PC), the modified biochar had larger specific surface area, richer pores, and better adsorption performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the advantages of the combination of alkali activation and metallic oxide modification of fungus chaff biochar (Cu-Co-BC) and revealed its adsorption mechanism for levofloxacin (LEV). The resulted showed the surface morphology and porosity were significantly optimized and the adsorption capacity was obviously improved. The SBET and the maximum adsorption capacity of Cu-Co-BC reached 590.90 m2·g−1 and 199.99 mg·g−1, which overwhelmed fungus chaff biochar (BC) and fungus chaff biochar modified after NaOH activation (NBC). Cu-Co-BC conformed to pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm models, indicating that the LEV adsorption process on Cu-Co-BC was a multilayer and heterogeneous process and controlled by chemisorption. And the adsorption thermodynamic study suggested the LEV adsorption process on Cu-Co-BC was endothermic and spontaneous. Zeta potential, pH effect of solution, FTIR, and XPS revealed electrostatic interaction, π-π EDA, surface complexation, and hydrogen bonding occurred between LEV and Cu-Co-BC at adsorption process. The potential of pore filling was induced by large specific surface area and rich pore structure; the intraparticle diffusion model and the nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms also implied the possibility. Fungus chaff-derived Cu-Co-BC showed high adsorption capacity via multiple adsorption mechanisms. In addition, the regeneration performance of Cu-Co-BC was investigated. After five cycles, the adsorption capacity of regenerative Cu-Co-BC still reached 86.46% of which before recycling. This study confirmed that Cu-Co-BC could be an effective adsorbent for LEV adsorption, which also could be a promising method of fungus chaff waste resourceful treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four kinds of biochar materials derived from Spirogyra were prepared under different physical and chemical activation processes. Their different microstructure, adsorption, and electrochemistry properties were characterized and compared. The experimental results indicated that comparing to the other three ones, the Spirogyra-derived biochar by phosphoric acid activation and direct heating (SBPDH) possessed a novel cleft structure with higher porosity and the maximum adsorption capacity to methylene blue as well as the largest electrochemically active surface area and the lowest resistance, and was selected to modify a chitosan-coated glassy carbon electrode (CS/GCE) to fabricate a sensing electrode (SBPDH/CS/GCE) as the nitrite ion-selective electrode (ISE) for the electrochemical detection of nitrite. The fabricated nitrite ISE exhibited the most excellent response to nitrate in aqueous solutions at pH 4.0 in a diffusion-controlled process. Its linear detection range (LDR) and the limit of detection (LOD) were determined to be 0.02–6 mmol L−1 and 8.29 μmol L−1, respectively, which are comparable or better than those of similar modified electrodes reported recently. Anti-interference experiments further indicated that the fabricated nitrite ISE can resist the influence of diverse interference ions on its detection of nitrite, and could be applied potentially in the detection of nitrite in real aqueous samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution and organic wastewater treatment have attracted extensive attention of researchers. Adsorption method is widely used in wastewater treatment because of its low price and high efficiency. As a natural, cheap biomass material, bamboo powder is of great significance to develop it into an economical and efficient biochar for wastewater treatment. A new type of ball-milled biochar (BMBC) adsorbent was prepared by pyrolysis of bamboo powder under an inert atmosphere, activated with sodium hydroxide solution and ball milling. The specific surface area of BMBC increased from 29.21 to 60.49 m2/g, and the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on the pyrolyzed carbon surface also obviously increased after ball milling. The results of bath adsorption experiments showed that BMBC exhibited excellent adsorption capacity towards both Pb(II) (170.52 mg/g) and methylene blue (MB, 419.11 mg/g) at 308 K. Based on a systematic study on the effect of various working conditions (including concentration, temperature, pH value, and ionic strength), it was demonstrated that pseudo-second-order kinetic equation might match the adsorption process (R2 > 0.9934) and Langmuir model (R2 > 0.9924); adsorptions were thermodynamically endothermic and occurred spontaneously. The ball milled alkalization-modified bamboo biochar can potentially be applied to remove heavy metal and cationic pollutants from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo, the fastest-growing plant, has several unique characteristics that make it appropriate for diverse applications. It is low-cost, high-tensile, lightweight, flexible, durable, and capable of proliferating even in ineffectual areas (e.g., incline). This review discusses the unique properties of bamboo for making charcoal and biochar for diverse applications. To produce bamboo charcoal and biochar, this study reports on the pyrolysis process for the thermal degradation of organic materials in an oxygen-depleted atmosphere under a specific temperature. This is an alternative method for turning waste biomass into products with additional value, such as biochar. Due to various advantages, bamboo charcoal is preferred over regular charcoal as it has four times the absorption rate and ten times more surface area reported. According to the reports, the charcoal yield ranges from 24.60 to 74.27%. Bamboo chopsticks were the most useful source for producing charcoal, with a high yield of 74.27% at 300 °C in nitrogen, but the thorny bamboo species have a tremendous amount of minimal charcoal, i.e., 24.60%. The reported biochar from bamboo yield ranges from 32 to 80%. The most extensive biochar production is produced by the bamboo D. giganteus, which yields 80% biochar at 300 °C. Dry bamboo stalks at 400 °C produced 32% biochar. One of the sections highlights biochar as a sustainable solution for plastic trash management produced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another section is dedicated to the knowledge enhancement about the broad application spectrum of the charcoal and biochar. The last section highlights the conclusions, future perspectives, and recommendations on the charcoal and biochar derived from bamboo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choosing special materials to achieve good adsorption and capture of CO2 is an essential technique for solving the problem of global warming. Biochar is an ideal precursor CO2 adsorbent due to its renewability, stability, and useful physicochemical properties. Furthermore, heteroatom doping can significantly improve the characteristics of biochar, such as enrich heteroatom functional groups and regulate carbon skeleton. This study reviews existing heteroatom doping methods and summarizes the current understanding of the influence of heteroatoms on CO2 adsorption of biochar. Specifically, compared with different doping methods, pre-decoration doping has higher doping efficiency and creates more abundant surface functional groups than post-decoration doping. Considering multi-element co-doping can combine the special functions of each element, application advantages and potential problems of co-doping are analyzed. In addition, the study further revealed that difficulty level with heteroatom doping mainly depend on the atomic structure of the doping element. The further improvement of chemical adsorption while ensuring optimal physical adsorption will become the research focus of atom-doping-modified, biochar-based, CO2 adsorbents in the future. We believe that these summaries are valuable for systematically understanding heteroatom-doped biochar to CO2 adsorption and will serve as a theoretical support for heteroatom doping research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent research and development are concentrated on identifying innovative and efficient materials using recycling and use. In support of this, one of the results is the evolution of biochar, because of its attractive properties and performance. Biochar is produced by combustion and the ancient slash method. The research relates to the derivation and use of biochar from sugarcane waste. The derived sugarcane waste biochar is incorporated at different weight percentages of 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 15 wt% with different treating times into the polyester matrix through the solution dispersion method resulting in polymer composites. The mechanical and thermal properties of sugarcane biochar polyester (SBPE) composites are examined using ASTM standards. The tensile strength of the composites showed a decremental nature with an increase in the percentage weight of the sugarcane. The morphological properties of the tensile fractured specimens were evaluated and the composite with a 10 wt% sugarcane biochar polyester matrix was found to have a higher interfacial transmission zone. Erosion studies of manufactured SBPE composites are studied and the results infer that an hour-treated 10 wt% of sugarcane biochar polyester composites possess minimal erosion at 90° angle of impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three successive vegetable pot experiments were conducted to assess the effects on the long-term immobilization of heavy metals in soil and crop yield improvement after the addition of peanut shell biochar and an alkaline mineral to an acidic soil contaminated with lead and cadmium. Compared with the CK treatment, the change rates of biomass in the edible parts of the three types of vegetables treated with B0.3, B1, B3, B9, R0.2 and B1R0.2 were −15.43%~123.30%, 35.10%~269.09%, 40.77%~929.31%, −26.08%~711.99%, 44.14%~1067.12% and 53.09%~1139.06%, respectively. The cadmium contents in the edible parts of the three vegetables treated with these six additives reduced by 2.08%~13.21%, 9.56%~24.78%, 9.96%~35.61%, 41.96%~78.42%, −4.19%~57.07% and 12.43%~65.92%, respectively, while the lead contents in the edible parts reduced by −15.70%~59.47%, 6.55%~70.75%, 3.40%~80.10%, 55.26%~89.79%, 11.05%~70.15% and 50.35%~79.25%, respectively. Due to the increases in soil pH, soil cation-exchange capacity and soil organic carbon content, the accumulation of Cd and Pb in the vegetables was most notably reduced with a high dosage of 9% peanut shell biochar alone, followed by the addition of a low dosage of 1% peanut shell biochar blended with 0.2% alkaline mineral. Therefore, the addition of a low dosage of 1% peanut shell biochar blended with 0.2% alkaline mineral was the best additive in increasing the vegetable biomass, whereas the addition of 9% peanut shell biochar alone was the worst. Evidently, the addition of 0.2% alkaline mineral can significantly reduce the amount of peanut shell needed for passivating heavy metals in soil, while it also achieves the effect of increasing the vegetable yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A liquid digestate (LD) obtained from the anaerobic digestion of mixed organic waste was characterised and tested on the fungi Pleurotus eryngii, Irpex lacteus and Trametes versicolor. Aqueous mixtures of LD at doses of 0.5, 1 and 2% (v/v) were tested directly or after interaction with 5% (w/v) biochar (BC-LD) and/or 100 mg L−1 soil humic acid (HA-BC-LD and HA-LD). Total luminescence (TL) analysis of LD showed the presence of fluorophores typical of scarcely aromatic matter, while the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum evidenced absorption bands typical of labile and non-condensed material. Some spectroscopic variations of the LD sample were observed after its interaction with the other materials. All LD treatments markedly promoted hyphal extension of P. eryngii whose growth rate increased up to 38% at the highest LD dose. The LD alone had no influence on the other fungi, whose growth was stimulated by some combinations of LD with the other materials. In facts, the growth rate of I. lacteus increased in BC-LD 1 and BC-LD 2 (P ≤ 0.05) and in all treatments with HA (up to 6% in HA-LD 2, P ≤ 0.01), while the growth of T. versicolor was promoted by HA-BC-LD 2 treatment (P ≤ 0.05) and slightly inhibited by all BC-LD combinations (up to 7% by BC-LD 1, P ≤ 0.05). The overall results obtained encourage the addition of LD to the soil and suggest a possible use of this material as substrate ingredient for the cultivation of edible mushrooms such as P. eryngii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions has driven the exploration of converting viticulture residues into biochar. This study investigates the potential technological applications of biochar as a filler for the production of electrically conductive composite materials, suitable to Bipolar Plate (BP) manufacturing. Grape seeds (GSs), defatted grape seeds (DGSs), wood stems (WSs), and whole grape seeds (WGSs) were converted into biochar samples through low-temperature (300 °C) pyrolysis for 3 or 24 h. The composition and thermal stability of biochar were evaluated through thermogravimetric analysis (TG), which provided valuable insights into interpreting the in-plane conductivity (IPC) values of the BP samples. Pyrolyzed GS and DGS biochar samples demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and conferred higher IPC values compared to WS counterparts. This indicates a clear correlation between the formation of carbon-rich structures during pyrolysis and overall electrical conductivity. In contrast, pyrolyzed WGSs produced BP samples with lower IPC values due to the presence of lipids, which were not effectively degraded by the low-temperature pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing production of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) worldwide, the development of efficient and sustainable strategies for its management is crucial. Pyrolysis of MSS offers several benefits, including volume reduction, pathogen elimination, and energy recovery through the production of biochar, syngas, and bio-oil. However, the process can be limited by the composition of the MSS, which can affect the quality of the biochar. Co-pyrolysis has emerged as a promising solution for the sustainable management of MSS, reducing the toxicity of biochar and improving its physical and chemical properties to expand its potential applications. This review discusses the status of MSS as a feedstock for biochar production. It describes the types and properties of various co-substrates grouped according to European biochar certification requirements, including those from forestry and wood processing, agriculture, food processing residues, recycling, anaerobic digestion, and other sources. In addition, the review addresses the optimization of co-pyrolysis conditions, including the type of furnace, mixing ratio of MSS and co-substrate, co-pyrolysis temperature, residence time, heating rate, type of inert gas, and flow rate. This overview shows the potential of different biomass types for the upgrading of MSS biochar and provides a basis for research into new co-substrates. This approach not only mitigates the environmental impact of MSS but also contributes to the wider goal of achieving a circular economy in MSS management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing energy consumption and the need for a circular economy have driven considerable interest in the anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste, offering potential solutions through biogas and digestate production. AD processes not only have the capability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also contribute to the production of renewable methane. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate prior research on AD involving different feedstocks. The principles of AD are explored and discussed, including both chemical and biological pathways and the microorganisms involved at each stage. Additionally, key variables influencing system performance, such as temperature, pH, and C/N ratio are also discussed. Various pretreatment strategies applied to enhance biogas generation from organic waste in AD are also reviewed. Furthermore, this review examines the conversion of generated digestate into biochar through pyrolysis and its utilization to improve AD performance. The addition of biochar has demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing metabolic processes, microorganisms (activity and community), and buffering capacity, facilitating Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer (DIET), and boosting CH4 production. Biochar also exhibits the ability to capture undesirable components, including CO2, H2S, NH3, and siloxanes. The integration of digestate-derived biochar into the circular economy framework emerges as a vital role in closing the material flow loop. Additionally, the review discusses the environmental benefits derived from coupling AD with pyrolysis processes, drawing on life cycle assessment investigations. Techno-economic assessment (TEA) studies of the integrated processes are also discussed, with an acknowledgment of the need for further TEA to validate the viability of integrating the biochar industry. Furthermore, this survey examines the techno-economic and environmental impacts of biochar production itself and its potential application in AD for biogas generation, aiming to establish a more cost-effective and sustainable integrated system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of the characteristic effects of the physicochemical properties of microcrystalline cellulose and a series of biocarbon samples produced from this raw material through thermal conversion at temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 850 °C. Structural studies revealed that the biocarbon samples produced from cellulose had a relatively low degree of graphitization of the carbon and an isometric shape of the carbon particles. Based on thermal investigations using the differential thermal analysis/differential scanning calorimeter method, obtaining fully formed biocarbon samples from cellulose feedstock was possible at about 400 °C. The highest direct carbon solid oxide fuel cell (DC-SOFC) performance was found for biochar samples obtained via thermal treatment at 400–600 °C. The pyrolytic gases from cellulose decomposition had a considerable impact on the achieved current density and power density of the DC-SOFCs supplied by pure cellulose samples or biochars derived from cellulose feedstock at a lower temperature range of 200–400 °C. For the DC-SOFCs supplied by biochars synthesised at higher temperatures of 600–850 °C, the "shuttle delivery mechanism" had a substantial effect. The impact of the carbon oxide concentration in the anode or carbon bed was important for the performance of the DC-SOFCs. Carbon oxide oxidised at the anode to form carbon dioxide, which interacted with the carbon bed to form more carbon oxide. The application of biochar obtained from cellulose alone without an additional catalyst led to moderate electrochemical power output from the DC-SOFCs. The results show that catalysts for the reverse Boudouard reactions occurring in a biocarbon bed are critical to ensuring high performance and stable operation under electrical load, which is crucial for DC-SOFC development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While several researchers have investigated the anaerobic digestion (AD) of textile wastewater for dye degradation, their studies suffer from lower biogas productivity due to substrate inhibition and the occurrence of secondary pollution from digestate disposal. Hence, this study focuses on using the extract of wheat straw (WS) as a co-substrate to facilitate the dye AD process, followed by recycling the digestate sludge for biochar production. In the first study, the batch digesters were operated at different dye wastewater (DW)/WS ratios (0–50% v/v), substrate-to-inoculum ratio of 0.28–0.50 g/g, pH 7.0 ± 0.2, and 37 °C. The digester operated at a DW/WS fraction of 65/35% (v/v) showed the best chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 68.52 ± 3.40% with bio-CH4 of 270.52 ± 19.14 mL/g CODremoved. About 52.96 ± 3.61% of the initial COD mass was converted to CH4, avoiding inhibition caused by volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation. In the second experiment, the dry digestate was thermally treated at 550 °C for 2 h under an oxygen-deprived condition, yielding 0.613 ± 0.031 g biochar/g. This biochar exhibited multiple functional groups, mineral contents, and high stability (O/C = 0.193). The combined digestion/pyrolysis scenario treating 35 m3/d (106.75 kg COD/d) could maintain profits from pollution reduction, biogas, biochar, and carbon trading, obtaining a 6.5-year payback period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal wetlands, often referred to as the 'kidneys of the Earth', have gained significant attention. However, they are increasingly affected by severe pollution and invasive species. Thus, ensuring green and sustainable methods for pollutant removal is of utmost importance. Biochar has demonstrated its unique advantages and benefits in coastal wetland remediation and management. In addition, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in environmental fields has become increasingly prevalent, with the aim of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental protection and resource management. However, the in situ remediation with AI-assisted biochar is still not well understood. This review adopts a problem-focused approach, analyzing and resolving problems to comprehensively review state-of-the-art biochar production, modification, and applications. This study aims to improve the remediation efficiency of sediment with combined pollution through the integration of AI systems. Moreover, the study highlights the positive effects of biochar on plant growth, microbial activity, and soil/sediment health, as well as its suitability for coastal wetland management, indicating that biochar holds great promise as an effective method for coastal wetland remediation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using carbon-based materials (CBMs) to facilitate phytoremediation shows great promise for simultaneously enhancing the restoration efficiency of contaminated soil and reducing carbon dioxide in the context of global warming, which is still in the exploring and attempting phase. In addition to direct degradation or alteration of pollutant bioavailability, CBMs can enhance phytoremediation by alleviating plant nutrient deprivation and oxidative stress, as well as by modulating soil microbial communities and root secretions. Photosynthetic carbon fixation predominantly affects both phytoremediation efficiency and carbon cycle turnover in terrestrial ecosystems. In this regard, CBMs have extremely positive properties in facilitating plant carbon capture, with intrinsic mechanisms including (1) promoting photosynthetic pigment synthesis and acting as artificial built-in antennae to improve photon capture efficiency, (2) accelerating the photosynthetic electron transport rate in photosystems, (3) improving the Calvin cycle, and (4) maintaining the structural integrity of chloroplasts. Besides, as an ultra-stable type of CBM derived from waste biomass, biochar can preserve the native biomass carbon in the soil environment for decades and attenuate the rhizosphere priming effect by influencing the structure of rhizosphere soil aggregates and microbial communities, thus retarding the native soil organic carbon efflux. This review critically elaborates on the mechanisms by which CBMs assist in improving the efficiency of phytoremediation and their positive effects on the plant-root soil carbon balance. Additionally, a simple full-life cycle analysis encompassing cost analysis as well as ecological, economic, and social benefits is concluded to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of CBMs-phytoremediation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsustainable pig breeding is a great threat to the environment. Ammonia is one of the main pollutants emitted in piggery vent air. This work is a comparative survey that presents the findings on the effectiveness of ammonia adsorption from air using various activated carbons (ACs). Detailed consideration is given to the effects of (i) type of raw material (wood char, wood pellet, and commercial lignite-based char), (ii) preparation method (CO2, steam, and KOH activation), and (iii) activation conditions (temperature and KOH/char ratio), on the porous structure of ACs and their ammonia sorption capacity and reversibility. Response surface methodology and genetic algorithm were used to find optimum KOH activation conditions. Economic analyses of AC production were performed using process modeling in Aspen software. It was found that ACs obtained from wood char in KOH activation show a maximum ammonia capacity of 397 g/kg, which is at least 2.5-fold higher than that reached on ACs from physical activation. A lower activation temperature (<750 °C) and a higher KOH/char ratio (>3) were preferred for effective adsorption, regardless of the type of feedstock. High sorption reversibility was achieved (87–96%). This makes the obtained sorbents promising sorbents for ammonia removal from piggery vent air with potential subsequent application as nitrogen-enriched biochar for crop fertilization. Thus, it facilitates sustainable pig breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, clothing has been produced and disposed of in large quantities. It is also known that each process, from the procurement of raw materials to production, transportation, sales, laundry, and disposal, has a significant environmental impact. According to the Global Fashion Agenda, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the fashion industry account for 4% of the global total. Therefore, apparel makers are shifting from a linear economy to a circular economy. For example, the Japanese start-up Curelabo Co., Ltd. (Okinawa, Japan) developed jeans (bagasse washi jeans) made from bagasse, which is a residual material derived from sugarcane after the extraction of cane juice. Furthermore, the use of improved dyeing reduces boiler fuel consumption and eliminates the need for detergents and acid. For disposal, the used jeans and their production waste are processed into biochar for carbon sequestration. In this study, we attempted to calculate GHG emissions using life cycle assessment (LCA) for the circular economy model developed by Curelabo Co., Ltd. GHG emissions from the production of bagasse washi jeans were 1.09 × 101 kg-CO2e. Dyeing, bleaching, and fabric finishing, known as the wet processes, were found to contribute a large proportion of GHG emissions due to their high energy consumption. Furthermore, the entire lifecycle of GHG emissions from bagasse washi jeans, including transport, sales, laundry, and disposal, were 1.53 × 101 kg-CO2e. First, the use of bagasse washi yarn for the weft reduced by 2.99 × 10−1 kg-CO2e compared with the use of conventional 100% bleached cotton yarn. Second, compared with conventional dyeing, GHG emissions from the improved dyeing process were reduced by 2.78 kg-CO2e. Third, the disposal of the used jeans and their production waste into biochar reduced GHG emissions by 9.01 × 10−1 kg-CO2e. Additionally, GHG emissions can be reduced by re-inputting waste in the paper-making process and by using liquefied natural gas as boiler fuel in the dyeing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural substrates used in horticultural practice quickly degrade during plant cultivation. Methods to extend their service life are sought using natural materials, the acquisition and disposal of which do not burden the natural environment. The paper presents a sustainable method for modifying the coconut fiber substrate by impregnation with a wood-based isolate activated for polymerization and the addition of biochar pellets with retention-increasing properties. The modifications applied to the substrates were shown to have an impact on some of their physical properties, which directly impacted their usefulness in the horticultural production of dessert raspberries. It was found that after a year of operation, the modified substrates showed significantly lower levels of degradation markers. The shrinkage of the impregnated substrate was ~50% lower than that of the control sample, while the substrate with the addition of biochar pellets resulted in similar shrinkage and the lowest plant root mass (25.47%). The usefulness of these substrates was also verified by measuring the physiological parameters of the plants, which determined the ability to photosynthesize and build biomass, as well as susceptibility to stress potentially caused by substrate modifications. The recorded values of these parameters indicate, in most cases, that there is no disturbance of the homeostasis of raspberry plants grown using these substrates. However, plant productivity (measured by the yield of harvested raspberry fruit) indicates that the use of impregnated coconut fiber substrate with the addition of biochar pellets allows for obtaining the highest fruit yields (fruit yield—2.43 kg plant−1). The yields obtained in combination with the extended durability of the modified substrates during operation recommend this solution for use in horticultural practice and make the production more sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil biochar is a kind of organic matter rich in carbon, which is of great significance in soil fertility improvement, fertilizer type innovation and greenhouse gas emission reduction. In this paper, Mg-modified biochar was prepared by thermal cracking using rice straw and corn straw as raw materials. The Mg-modified biochar and unmodified biochar were fully mixed with prepared soil samples at the addition amounts of 0.5% (w/w), 1% (w/w) and 2% (w/w), respectively, and then simulated indoor soil cultivation experiments were carried out. The effects of magnesium ion-modified biochar and non-modified biochar on soil chemical properties and the effects of different amounts of biochar on soil properties were studied. The results showed that the yield of Mg-modified biochar from rice straw and corn straw, prepared by pyrolysis, was 65%, and the ash content was large. The pH of MG-modified corn stalk biochar (MCBC) is weakly basic (8.55), while the pH of MG-modified rice stalk biochar (MRBC) is basic (10.1), and their internal structures are slightly different. After the application of biochar prepared from rice straw and maize stover, soil indicators were determined. Compared to the control, the chemical properties of the treated soil samples were significantly improved, with an increase in soil pH, an increase in the content of effective nutrients, such as fast-acting potassium, fast-acting phosphorus and alkaline dissolved nitrogen, and an increase in the content of the total phosphorus and total nitrogen, as well as an increase in the content of organic matter. The Mg-modified biochar was generally superior to the unmodified biochar in improving soil fertility, at the same addition level. It was also found that the rice-straw biochar performed better than the corn-stover biochar and had a more obvious effect on soil improvement in terms of fast-acting potassium, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total phosphorus and total nitrogen contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor agricultural soil management practices and water use optimisation in irrigation are major challenges facing crop production in Senegal. To address these problems, a factorial experiment was conducted in 2021 and 2022 to investigate the effects of biochar on tomato growth and yield in sandy loam soil under different irrigation levels. Treatments included three biochar treatments (B2 = 30 t·ha−1, B1 = 15 t·ha−1, and B0 = 0 t·ha−1) and three irrigation levels (full irrigation, W0 = 8 L·m−2·day−1; medium deficit irrigation, W1 = 6 L·m−2·day−1, which is 75% of W0; and deficit irrigation, W2 = 4 L·m−2·day−1, 50% of W0). The results showed that using biochar at 30 t·ha−1 significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the bulk density of the soil by up to 8.3% under W1. In addition, biochar at 15 t·ha−1 and 30 t·ha−1 enhanced, regardless of the amount of water applied, the growth of tomato plants by at least 14% compared to that in the B0 treatment. Furthermore, the tomatoes' yields in biochar treatments B1 (12.58 t·ha−1) and B2 (12.45 t·ha−1) under W2 were greater than those under B0 (9.27 t·ha−1) under full irrigation. The combinations of biochar and the lowest irrigation water level (W2 and B1 or W2 and B2) can therefore allow a water economy of up to 50% of full irrigation without compromising yield. Our study concluded that biochar could sustainably reduce agricultural water consumption while increasing yields. To further understand the influence of biochar on sandy loam soil, more research is needed on its effects on soil moisture content at permanent wilting points and field capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) contamination is a major environmental pollutant that adversely affects plant physiological processes and can hinder nutrients and water availability. Such conditions ultimately resulted in stunted growth, low yield, and poor plant health. Using rhizobacteria and composted biochar (ECB) can effectively overcome this problem. Rhizobacteria have the potential to enhance plant growth by promoting nutrient uptake, producing growth hormones, and suppressing diseases. Composted biochar can enhance plant growth by improving aeration, water retention, and nutrient cycling. Its porous structure supports beneficial microorganisms, increasing nutrient uptake and resilience to stressors, ultimately boosting yields while sequestering carbon. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the combined effect of previously isolated Bacillus faecalis (B. faecalis) and ECB as amendments on maize cultivated under different As levels (0, 300, 600 mg As/kg soil). Four treatments (control, 0.5% composted biochar (0.5ECB), B. faecalis, and 0.5ECB + B. faecalis) were applied in four replications following a completely randomized design. Results showed that the 0.5ECB + B. faecalis treatment led to a significant rise in maize plant height (~ 99%), shoot length (~ 55%), root length (~ 82%), shoot fresh (~ 87%), and shoot dry weight (~ 96%), root fresh (~ 97%), and dry weight (~ 91%) over the control under 600As stress. There was a notable increase in maize chlorophyll a (~ 99%), chlorophyll b (~ 81%), total chlorophyll (~ 94%), and shoot N, P, and K concentration compared to control under As stress, also showing the potential of 0.5ECB + B. faecalis treatment. Consequently, the findings suggest that applying 0.5ECB + B. faecalis is a strategy for alleviating As stress in maize plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline in soil productivity due to intensive cultivation, unbalanced fertilization and climate change are key challenges to future food security. There is no significant research conducted on the effect of organic amendments on soil properties and active carbon fractions in organic-matter deficient soils under changing climate. Biochar (BC) is a stabilized organic amendment produced from organic materials and is increasingly recognized as being able to improve soil health and crop productivity. The present study was conducted to determine the efficacy of compost (CM) (0.5%, 1%) (w/w) and animal manure (AM) (0.5%, 1%) (w/w) alone and combined with 3% (w/w) biochar, on soil carbon fractions, soil properties, and crop growth in a low-fertile soil. The results revealed significant increased 46% plant height, 106% and 114% fresh and dry shoot weight respectively, and 1,000-grain weight increased up to 40% when 3% BC with 1% CM was applied, compared to a control. Similarly, substantial increases in 69% soil organic matter, and 70% carbon pool index were observed at 3% BC, and under 3% BC with 1% CM increased 11% microbial biomass carbon compared to the control. Overall, the results suggest that 3% BC addition along with 1% CM and AM (1%) had greater potential to improve the soil carbon pool, microbial biomass, and soil health, all of which will ultimately enhance maize yield when grown in low-fertility soil. The application of BC, CM, and AM are a viable green approach, that not only boosts crop yields and improves soil properties and but also contributes to a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of ridge-furrow with plastic film mulching has the potential to enhance crop yields and water productivity, particularly in black soil regions. However, the synergistic impacts of combining ridge-furrow with plastic mulching alongside with various organic amendments on maize yield and nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency remain unclear. Using 15N-labeled tracing technology, we investigated fertilizer-N recovery of maize, distribution, fertilizer-N residual in soil, and nitrogen fertilizer loss across six treatments: nonmulched flat with non-organic amendment (FN), non-mulched flat with straw amendment (FS), non-mulched flat with biochar amendment (FBC), ridge-furrow with plastic mulching without organic amendment (RN), ridge-furrow with plastic mulching with straw amendment (RS), and ridge-furrow with plastic mulching with biochar amendment (RBC). The results revealed that ridge-furrow with plastic mulching in comparison to non-mulched flat, led to a significant increase in maize dry biomass accumulation, yield, and the rate of fertilizer-N recovery in maize (NRE) by 8.57%–12.36%, 10.08%–15.13%, and 2.22%–3.18%, respectively. The rate of fertilizer-N residual in soil (NSR) and fertilizer-N loss (NLS) decreased by 0.5%–2.04% and 0.78%–3.21%, respectively. In addition, the straw and biochar amendments under different planting methods promoted NRE in plants and NSR in soil, reducing NLS. Compared with non-organic amendment treatments, the inclusion of straw and biochar amendments resulted in increased NRE and NRS by 1.64%–6.20% and 0.12%–2.18%, while NLS decreased by 1.76%– 7.78%. Biochar amendment treatment exhibited significantly higher nitrogen accumulation and NRE compared to the straw amendment treatment. Overall, ridge-furrow with plastic mulching combined with biochar amendment proved to be an effective method to enhance nitrogen fertilizer utilization of maize in the black soil regions, improving both yield and nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil by functional strains and biochar has been widely studied. However, the mechanisms by which urease-producing bacteria combine with pig manure biochar (PMB) to immobilize Cd and inhibit Cd absorption in vegetables are still unclear. In our study, the effects and mechanisms of PMB combined with the urease-producing bacterium TJ6 (TJ6 + PMB) on Cd adsorption were explored. The effects of TJ6 + PMB on the Cd content and pH of the leachate were also studied through a 56-day soil leaching experiment. Moreover, the effects of the complexes on Cd absorption and microbial mechanisms in lettuce were explored through pot experiments. The results showed that PMB provided strain TJ6 with a greater ability to adsorb Cd, inducing the generation of CdS and CdCO3, and thereby reducing the Cd content (71.1%) and increasing the pH and urease activity in the culture medium. TJ6 + PMB improved lettuce dry weight and reduced Cd absorption. These positive effects were likely due to (1) TJ6 + PMB increased the organic matter and NH4+ contents, (2) TJ6 + PMB transformed available Cd into residual Cd and decreased the Cd content in the leachate, and (3) TJ6 + PMB altered the structure of the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities in lettuce, increasing the relative abundances of Stachybotrys, Agrocybe, Gaiellales, and Gemmatimonas. These genera can promote plant growth, decompose organic matter, and release phosphorus. Interestingly, the fungal communities were more sensitive to the addition of TJ6 and PMB, which play important roles in the decomposition of organic matter and immobilization of Cd. In conclusion, this study revealed the mechanism by which urease-producing bacteria combined with pig manure biochar immobilize Cd and provided a theoretical basis for safe pig manure return to Cd-polluted farmland. This study also provides technical approaches and bacterial resources for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability has become increasingly important as environmental issues continue to rise. Biodegradable polymers offer a sustainable solution as they use biomass. In this study, biochar (BC) prepared by the pyrolysis of biomass was compounded with polybutylene succinate (PBS) to enhance its Young's modulus, and the residual BC was shown to amend the soil, following degradation. The incorporation of biochar into the PBS matrix is strategically achieved through a BC with treatment involving an aprotic polar solvent. This process not only reduces the size of the biochar particles but also ensures their uniform dispersion within the PBS matrix. As a result, a remarkable 2.5-fold increase in Young's modulus is observed, reaching an impressive 571.04 MPa, compared with the baseline Young's modulus of neat PBS, which stands at 220.92 MPa. Interestingly, the degradation rate of the resulting composites was comparable to that of neat PBS despite the decrease in the number of potential hydrolysis sites owing to the increased Young's modulus of the PBS/BC composite. These sustainable composite exhibited properties different from those of conventional PBS and is expected to be used in potentially novel applications toward environmental sustainability, such as in agricultural mulch films or electronic printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost-effective dye wastewater treatment approaches are critically required for the long-term sustainability of textile industries. To fill the gaps, multiple high-potential adsorbents derived from biomass have been proposed. For this purpose, this study was conducted to present an applicable and cost-effective biochar synthesized from cow dung to remove methylene blue from the aqueous solutions. The potential of cow dung-based biochar was optimized under various pH, biochar dose, methylene blue concentration, contact time, and temperature. The maximum removal was 96% achieved at optimum conditions, 20 mg/l methylene blue concentration, 0.2 g biochar dose, pH of 6, and 90 min contact time at ambient temperature. The methylene blue adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm (R²=0.9827) and pseudo-second-order (R²=0.999) kinetic models, implying multilayered adsorption on the heterogenous surface and chemisorption mechanism, respectively. Furthermore, the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic due to negative Gibbs free energy (ΔG0) and enthalpy (ΔH0) with the reduction at randomness of methylene blue molecules and adsorbent interaction based on negative entropy (ΔS0). Regarding the high efficiency of cow dung-based biochar to adsorb methylene blue, it is recommended that further investigations consider the biochar activation and functionalization intending to upgrade its adsorption capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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