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Adsorption capacity of activated biochar derived from Eichhornia crassipes was investigated for the sequestration of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution. Biochar was prepared and activated with different agents viz., 85% phosphoric acid, 0.5% sulphuric acid, 1 M ferric chloride and 10% polyethylenimine. Adsorption parameters were optimised by using Box–Behnken model of Response Surface Methodology (RSM), where the P value lesser than 0.05 and higher F value explained the significance of the model. Concentration and time showed positive effect while pH, biosorbent dosage and biosorbent size represented negative effect on adsorption. The optimum conditions for adsorption of Cr (VI) by activated biochar obtained from the model were pH: 2, biosorbent dosage was 1%, biosorbent size 1 mm, solute concentration of 985 mg/L and equilibrium time of 35 hours. An increase in concentration of solute molecules increased the adsorption of Cr (VI), whereas percent removal was reduced. Equilibrium relationship between sorbent and sorbate was determined using the isotherms Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models. Isotherm study was supported by Langmuir where sorption occurs on monolayer. The rate of adsorption and its mechanisms elucidated through kinetic studies. The higher correlation coefficient of 0.9985 reveals the significance of the studied models. Kinetics study fits well with the pseudo-second-order kinetics whereas isotherm study was best described by Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacity of 50.0 mg g−1 under biochar activated with phosphoric acid (PA-WBC). Among the activation methods PA-WBC showed maximum chromium adsorption due to the influence of H+ ions present on the surfaces which highly favoured the sorption of anions. Hence, this activated biochar can be effectively utilised for the removal of Cr (VI) from industrial waste water, it was further suggested that water hyacinth has the additional advantage that it reduces or even eliminates the diverse impact of the weed on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollution of soils and groundwater by heavy metal pollutants is a widespread environmental problem, particularly in Iran. One cost-effective method to remediate the polluted soils is phytoremediation, in which different plants are used to extract the heavy metals from soil and accumulate them in their organs. In this study, the phytoremediation potential of native plants of Southwestern Iran in removing nickel and lead from polluted soil was assessed separately and in combination with organic amendments of compost and biochar.Hence, the pot experiments were conducted in the greenhouse using soil gathered from the Pazanan oil refineryin Gachsaran, located at Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. Then, the hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to classify the different treatments of amendments.The results indicated that the phytoremediation strength of three native species for Ni uptake was C. procera> St. Plumosa > M. sativa; and for Pb uptake was St. Plumosa > C. procera> M. sativa. Also, the utilisation of organic materials originated from urban waste caused to increase in the Ni and Pb accumulation in root and shoot of these species as well as the residual concentration of the metals in soil. Based on the cluster analysis, the treatment of biochar 2% showed the most effect on the residual concentration of heavy metals in soil (1128.00 mgkg−1);the treatment of biochar 1% represented the highest accumulation of metals at the root (158.82 mgkg−1), while all treatments of different amounts of amendments have the same effect on the accumulation of heavy metals in the shoot (151.38 mgkg−1). In general, cluster analysis showed that the organic amendments, especially biochar even at low amounts can improve the phytoremediation capability of the studied native species in removing Ni and Pb from polluted soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermally modified Parthenium biochar was used as an efficient adsorbent for removal of Cd from water. Parthenium biochar (PBC) prepared at 500°C was thermally activated by re-heating it at 700°C. PBC and thermally modified biochar (TMPBC) was characterised by FTIR, SEM-EDS, BET-surface area and XRD. The surface area of TMPBC (3.44 m2g−1) was higher than PBC (1.89 m2g−1). The optimum conditions for Cd adsorption was found to be pH, 5.0; biochar dose, 2.5 (g L−1); time, 30 min; temperature 25°C; initial Cd concentration, 100 mg L−1. Cadmium removal parameters were assessed using kinetic (pseudo first and second order) and adsorption models (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson). Cd removal followed pseudo second order kinetic model. The Cd removal capacity of TMPBC (129.2 mg g−1) was significantly higher than PBC (59.3 mg g−1). Cd removal by TMPBC (97–99%) was also demonstrated for a surface and underground waters. FTIR, XRD and SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the ion exchange and otavite precipitation mechanisms of Cd removal by biochar. The thermal modification technique could be an alternative for commercially available activated carbons; however this needs to be explored with different biomasses and other elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of measurement results revealed that the nano-SnO2 (n-SnO2) nanoparticles were spread uniformly on the carbon surface inside the wild plum (Prunus domestica) kernel shell biochar (WPKSB) structure. The addition of hydrothermally synthesized n-SnO2 to WPKS improved both the adsorption capacity and the photocatalytic potential of WPKSB for methylene blue (MB) removal. When the initial MB content was 5 mg/L, the n-SnO2@WPKSB composite demonstrated high MB removal efficiency under UV light via a combined effect of adsorption and photocatalysis. The n-SnO2@WPKSB composite removed 99.5 (±0.4) % of the MB from the dye-polluted water sample in 105 minutes at pH of 7.0. Because of the synergistic effect of adsorption and photodegradation, the composite was more effective at treating the aqueous MB solution than WPKSB and n-SnO2 alone. Reusability tests were run to remove MB to assess the composite structure's chemical stability and catalytic capacity. The n-SnO2@WPKSB composite was characterized using X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform infrared and Scanning Electron Microscopy. This research investigates how to make metal oxide/biochar nanocomposites with exceptional adsorption and photocatalysis properties for the oxidation and removal of MB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different modified biochars were prepared by impregnating with different metal oxide nanoparticles including AgO, CuO and ZnO onto leaf of lotus tree. The prepared nanocomposites were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results revealed that the metal oxide affected morphology of the biochars. Graphene sheets were evident especially in the case of Zn-modified biochar. Particle size of biochar, Ag-biochar, Cu-biochar and Zn-biochar revealed to be in the range of 33.5–214.5 nm, 105.3–231.9 nm, 33.5–142.9 nm and 37.2–66.9 nm, respectively. Textural properties of the biochars were determined by using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and BJH models based on N2-adsorption-desorption isotherms. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimise the different effective parameters and to compare the efficiency of the different biochars towards the removal of Cr and Co ions. Isotherms of the biochars were also studied. The adsorption isotherms were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich models. The biochars obeyed Langmuir adsorption model and their maximum adsorption capacities were 107.5 mg/g for Co2+ ion and 113.6 mg/g for Cr3+. The modified biochar was capable of removing Cr3+ and Co2+ ions up to 78% and 98%, respectively. The modified biochar has also shown excellent photocatalytic performance for the degradation of chromate ion. 81.6% of chromate ion degradation has been achieved with the incorporation of Zn-biochar under sunlight irradiation. Adsorption characteristics of the modified lotus leaf biochar were compared with the previously reported biochars. The results confirmed the superiority of the proposed biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there are many concerns about the potential risks of contamination of emerging compounds in water resources and their adverse effects on human health and the environment. Today, the production and use of drug compounds for the treatment of human and animal diseases is increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the biosorbent prepared from pine bark on the removal of tetracycline from aqueous solutions. In this study, the effect of various variables including pH (2–12), adsorbent dose (1–2 g)), tetracycline concentration (50–500 mg/L), contact time (10–120 min)) and temperature (10–50°C) as well as the structural properties of biochar were examined. The isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics of the adsorption process were also evaluated. The residual concentration of tetracycline after adsorption by DR5000 spectrophotometer of the Hack Company at 292 wavelengths was read. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods, it was found that the biochar structure has many pores for adsorption and also has functional groups including hydroxyl, carbonyl and amine, which increases the adsorption capacity. Maximum removal of tetracycline (89.5%) was achieved in 15 minutes, pH 5.1 and dose 1 g. In this study, the removal efficiency of tetracycline increased with increasing temperature and adsorbent dose and decreased with increasing contaminant concentration. The adsorption isotherm of tetracycline at maximum adsorption capacity (58.47 mg/g) is consistent with the Langmuir model and the adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo- second order model. According to the results of this study, it was found that biochar produced from pine bark is a cheap and efficient adsorbent in the removal of tetracycline antibiotic and can be used to remove this antibiotic in hospital wastewaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrome tanning in India leads to severe contamination of soil and water. Due to the indiscriminate disposal of effluent from tanneries, several thousand hectares of agricultural lands have been degraded over several decades in Tamil Nadu. Several researchers were involved in developing remediation technologies for chromium contamination.Adsorption and desorption of Cr on soil determine the mobility of Cr and its environmental impact. There are several studies regarding the adsorption/desorption of Cr. A strategic study regarding the mechanism of adsorption/desorption of Cr to the context of remediation technologies is essential. A better understanding of the adsorption and desorption mechanism of Cr aids in developing a suitable remediation strategy. Therefore, in the present investigation, the adsorption Cr on soil and some critical factors affecting the adsorption were studied. The Cr adsorption on soil recorded maximum and was best illustrated by the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.994) than the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.841). Amongst the bio-amendments, biochar was found to enhance the adsorption of Cr on the soil. The co-contaminants such as cadmium and lead significantly reduced the adsorption of Cr. Further, a desorption study was carried out with different desorption agents such as NaOH, CH3COONH4and EDTA. It was found that NaOH exhibited higher desorption efficiency than the other agents. The results reveal that adsorption and desorption mechanisms aids in predicting the toxicity of Cr. This study also shows that the soil pH, bio-amendments, and co-contaminants in the contaminated soil may play a significant role in the remediation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas digestate is a nitrogen (N) rich waste product that has potential for application to soil as a fertilizer. Composting of digestate is recognized as an effective step to reduce potentially negative consequences of digestate application to soils. However, the structure of the digestate and the high N content can hinder effective composting. Biochar, which can be produced through the pyrolysis of waste biomass, has shown the potential to improve compost structure and increase N retention in soils. We studied how a high-temperature wood biochar affects the composting process, including greenhouse gas emissions, and the fertilizer value of the compost product including nutrient content, leachability and plant growth. The high Biochar dose (17% w/w) had a significantly positive effect on the maximum temperature (5°C increase vs. no biochar) and appeared to improve temperature stability during composting with less variability between replicates. Biochar addition reduced cumulative N2O emission by 65–70%, but had no significant effect on CO2 and CH4 emission. Biochar did not contribute to greater retention of nitrogen (N) contained in the digestate, but had a dilution effect on both N content and mineral nutrients. Fertilization with compost enhanced plant growth and nutrient retention in soil compared to mineral fertilization (NPK), but biochar had no additional effects on these parameters. Our results show that biochar improves the composting of digestate with no subsequent negative effects on plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effluent water from dyeing industries is a challenging issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the adsorption properties of locally available Chinar tree (Platanus orientalis) lingo cellulosic materials as adsorbents for the removal of crystal violet dye from aqueous solution. The study shows that the Chinar leaf powder and Chinar leaf biochar can be used as a potential plant by-product adsorbent for the removal of crystal violet from aqueous solution. The adsorbents were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and carbon hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer (CHNS). In batch optimization studies, the maximum removal efficiency for the adsorbents was obtained at the optimum levels of contact time (30 min), adsorbent dose (2.5 g L−1), initial dye concentration 20 mgL−1 and pH 6.52. The equilibrium adsorption data were found to follow both Langmuir and Freundlich models and maximum monolayer capacity of Chinar leaf powder and its biochar were found to be 25.88 and 30.01 mg.g−1. Also the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model constants RL(0.0425 and 0.00686 for Chinar leaf powder and Chinar leaf biochar, respectively) and n (1.3106 and 1.6103 for Chinar leaf powder and Chinar leaf biochar, respectively) suggesting favorable adsorption of crystal violet on the adsorbents. Kinetic analysis for both adsorbents revealed that adsorption experimental data was best fitted by pseudo-second-order model(R2 = 0.999). Gibb's free energy is −2.14473 to −4.23219 for Chinar leaf powder and −7.18828 to −11.1027 for Chinar leaf biochar showing the process is spontaneous. The enthalpy changes of Chinar leaf powder and its biochar are negative (−20.6611) and positive (22.72549) indicating exothermic and endothermic processes, respectively. Uptake efficiency (>90%) recorded at an equilibrium time of 30 min shows that Chinar leaf powder and biochar were fast and effective adsorbents for the removal of crystal violet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This researchers focused at how adding vitamin C (VC) to biochar and replacing it with a mineral supplement affected egg quality and laying hen performance. 50 experimental units were created from 400 laying hens using a 5 × 2 factorial treatment design (10 treatments, 5 repeats, and 8 laying hens per repetition). Biochar levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% replacement with mineral supplements of diet) and VC levels (0 and 100 mg/kg of diet) were some of the studied variables. The results showed that different experimental diets had no significant effect on performance parameters (feed intake, feed conversion ratio, daily weight gain, egg weight, egg production, and egg mass) of laying hens. In the whole of experiment (50–62 weeks of age), dietary treatments had no influence on egg albumen %, Haugh unit, albumen index, yolk %, yolk index, yolk color, egg shell thickness, or egg shell ash. The results revealed that biochar, due to its availability and easy production, can replace mineral supplements in laying hens' diet, with no adverse effects on productive performance and egg quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving soil management to enhance soil carbon sequestration (SCS)—a cost-efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) removal approach—can result in co-benefits or trade-offs. Here we address this issue by setting up a modeling framework for Switzerland that combines soil carbon (C) storage, food production and agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The link to food production is crucial because crop types and livestock numbers influence soil organic C (SOC) stocks, through soil C inputs from plants and manure. We estimated SCS rates for the years 2020–2050 for three scenarios, each with two variants for biochar: cover cropping (0.30 t CO2 equivalents [CO2-eq] ha−1 yr−1), biochar addition (0.36–1.8 t CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1) and agroforestry-biochar addition (2.2–2.3 t CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1). Different limiting factors (land and biomass availability, population growth) affected SCS rates and indicated that they cannot be sustained until 2100 under all scenarios (cover cropping: 0.10 t CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1 [2051–2100]; biochar addition: 0.35–1.8 t CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1; agroforestry-biochar addition: 1.0–1.7 t CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1). This information together with the associated GHG emissions is critical for planning net zero strategies and highlights the importance of integrated assessments that capture links between SCS and the food system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, wheat straw-derived biochar was prepared by setting a temperature of 400 °C under an oxygen-limited environment using the technique of "programmed temperature increase control". The results showed that the biochar had a strong adsorption capacity for Hg2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions, and the adsorption pattern was Hg2+>Cd2+>Pb2+. There was a competitive adsorption effect during the coexistence of the ions. The results of the soil remediation tests showed that the effects of biochar on soil physicochemical properties and heavy metal distribution was generally greater than those of KH2PO4 in single or combined contaminated soil. The adsorption effect of heavy metal ions in soil was the best in the case of mixed additions. The results can provide a scientific basis for the treatment of heavy metal contaminated soil with wheat straw biochar in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water hyacinth is classified as a high-risk invasive species but is a source of biomass to obtain bio-oil and biochar by pyrolysis reaction. The Kissinger- Akahira-Sunose model (KAS), Ozawa-Flynn Wall (OFW), and Friedman model, determined the pyrolysis activation energy to be 213.19 kJ mol−1, 222.55 kJ mol−1, and 248.09 kJ mol−1, respectively. Bio-oil was obtained with a 2.2% yield, and a maximum calorific value of 21,641 kJ kg−1. The composition was 44% hydrocarbons, 27% aromatic hydrocarbons, 6% alcohols and phenols, 4% acids, and 19% aldehydes, ketones, ethers, nitriles, and others. A 48.84 wt% biochar was also obtained, gaining energy and active carbon. Bio-oil could be a candidate for the production of refined chemical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of different locally available organic wastes like briquettes, biochar, paddy, and maize straw in combination with coco peat used as standard soilless growing media, for growing tomato under poly nethouse. The experiment layout was completely randomized design with three replications comprising of eleven treatments viz. 100% cocopeat (T1), 25% paddy straw + 75% cocopeat (T2), 50% paddy straw + 50% cocopeat (T3), 75% paddy straw + 25% cocopeat (T4), 100% straw (T5), 50% briquette + 50% cocopeat (T6), 100% briquettes (T7), 25% biochar + 75% cocopeat (T8), 50% biochar + 50% cocopeat (T9), 75% biochar + 25% cocopeat (T10), and 100% biochar (T11) during first season. During second year, treatments were modified to 25% briquette + 75% cocopeat (T7), 25% maize straw + 25% paddy straw + 50% cocopeat (T8), 25% maize straw + 50% paddy straw + 25% cocopeat (T9), 50% maize straw + 50% cocopeat (T10), 100% maize straw (T11), and 100% soil (T12). The results revealed that maximum fruit yield per plant recorded in the treatment T1 (100% cocopeat) was significantly higher as compared to all other treatments during the first year of study. However, during the second year, it was statistically at par with T6 and T7 but significantly higher as compared to other treatments. When 25 to 50% substitution of cocopeat was done with paddy straw briquettes or 25% paddy straw + 75% cocopeat was used, the quality parameters were comparable to 100% cococpeat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil aggregate is important to soil quality. Straw return is beneficial for soil amendment, but the effects of straw and straw-derived biochar on aggregate formation and stability in paddy soil are unclear. This study carried out a field experiment for 2 years in Northeast China with four treatments: conventional fertilization (CF), straw (ST, 7.5 t ha−1 year−1), biochar (BC, 2.5 t ha−1 year−1), and biochar-based fertilizer (BCF, 0.75 t ha−1 year−1). Compared with the CF and BCF, BC and ST improved the macroaggregates and significantly increased soil total carbon and aggregate organic carbon, indicating a sustained positive role in promoting the formation and stability of aggregates. BC significantly improved aggregate stability. Correlation analysis showed that macroaggregates (2–0.25 mm) can be increased by increasing the heavy fraction organic carbon (HFOC), BC and ST significantly increased the HFOC, and BC had a greater effect. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the combination of biochar and soil particles can be captured with strong water scouring. BCF showed an increasing trend in the formation and stability of soil aggregates. In comparison, biochar had a greater effect on promoting the formation of macroaggregates and the stability of soil aggregates with a significant sustainable effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing water use efficiency in urban green spaces is an increasing concern in hyper-arid megacities. Here we aimed to compare the efficacy of species selection vs. soil management as strategies for reducing water demand of ornamental trees in irrigated green spaces of the city of Lima, Peru. We compared the performance of a popular exotic shrub used as a living fence in Lima's green spaces with an alternative native species when grown in soils with or without biochar at different levels of soil water availability. Plant water stress and mortality were measured over 6-months. The native species outperformed the exotic in terms of resistance to water stress and suffered less mortality at low levels of soil water. The addition of biochar did not significantly enhance the leaf water potential. Its concluded that improved selection of species could significantly augment water use efficiency in urban green spaces in Lima and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorption treatment of wastewater from chromium compounds is a current and actively developing area of research. However, there is a lack of sorbents combining high efficiency and economic affordability with the possibility of application in industrial conditions. In this work, the sorption properties of biochar material "EcoChar," obtained as a result of fast pyrolysis of agricultural poultry waste, were studied in relation to the removal of trivalent chromium ions, and the basic thermodynamic parameters of the process, which is the type of strong chemisorption, were determined. Based on the IR spectra of the sorbent material, the formation of chelate complexes by hydrolyzed chromium ions with the involvement of carboxylic groups and simple ether bonds is suggested. Using the Langmuir model, the values of sorption capacity of sorbent were found as, 68.8 ± 0,2 mg Cr(III)/g and 87.5 ± 0,3 mg Cr(III)/g at 298 and 318 K, respectively. These values, which are much higher than those of their corresponding waste material counterparts, make the use of this biochar as an adsorbent advantageous for the removal of Cr(III) containing compounds from acidic wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, wheat straw-derived biochar was prepared by setting a temperature of 400 °C under an oxygen-limited environment using the technique of "programmed temperature increase control". The results showed that the biochar had a strong adsorption capacity for Hg2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions, and the adsorption pattern was Hg2+>Cd2+>Pb2+. There was a competitive adsorption effect during the coexistence of the ions. The results of the soil remediation tests showed that the effects of biochar on soil physicochemical properties and heavy metal distribution was generally greater than those of KH2PO4 in single or combined contaminated soil. The adsorption effect of heavy metal ions in soil was the best in the case of mixed additions. The results can provide a scientific basis for the treatment of heavy metal contaminated soil with wheat straw biochar in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, poultry farmers have faced many problems in producing quality products. This study assessed waste biomass as a long-term investment solution for poultry production, which can help improve the poultry industry globally. Biochar is defined as a carbonaceous substance produced by the thermochemical reaction of waste biomass at temperatures typically less than 700°C and has vast applicability in soil fertilisation, pollutants adsorption, and poultry production systems. The current review examines the development patterns in biochar research literature data collected from the Web of Science and Google Scholar. The main hotspots found in this search were biochar production, its effect on poultry production and performance. Additionally, biochar and poultry production have recently received much attention, indicating that biochar use in the poultry industry for intensive production is of interest. The current review focuses on the different biomaterials used in the production of biochar and various other products via biochar production processes such as pyrolysis, thermochemical, hydrothermal, and microwave processes. Furthermore, this analysis focuses on the synthetic processes used to produce biochar and its numerous applications in the poultry business. The review also tries to identify gaps in our current knowledge of biochar and propose a few future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil-based drilling cutting pyrolysis doped orange biochar composite (ODPR-OP) was prepared by the pyrolysis of oil-based drilling cuttings and orange peels (OP) for the adsorption of Cu (II) and Pb (II). The physical and chemical properties of the surface were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the zeta potential. In addition, the adsorption capacity of the ODPR-OP biochar for Cu (II) and Pb (II) removal from aqueous solutions was investigated. The results show that the ODPR-OP biochar has a lower contact angle, smaller pore size, and higher micropore volume than either oil-based drilling cutting pyrolysis residues (ODPR) or orange-peel biochar, indicating a synergistic effect of co-pyrolysis for enhanced adsorption. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption of Cu (II) and Pb (II) on ODPR-OP was explained better with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption equilibrium of Cu (II) and Pb (II) was compatible with the Langmuir isotherm, and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacities of the ODPR-OP biochar for Cu (II) and Pb (II) were 95.11 mg/g and 164.08 mg/g, respectively, which are higher than for ODPR or OP. In conclusion, the ODPR-OP composite has great potential for practical Pb (II) and Cu (II) removal from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal modification of blended feedstocks has recently gained popularity, due to its importance in improving biochar yield and features, such as pore structure and adding extra functional groups than pristine ones and thus improving adsorption effectiveness against a range of pollutants. In this study, the biochar made up of blended bamboo sawdust and rice husk has been investigated on its effectiveness on Cd2+ sorption processes controlling the accessibility and mobility of this metal in agro-soil. In a set of batch experiments, the effect of a 10% w/w biochar (carbonized at 400°C and 700°C) to soil ratio at various blending ratios (1:1, 1:3, and 3:1) on the adsorption and desorption characteristics of Cd2+ in agricultural clay soil incubated for 60 days was investigated. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms were also studied to examine adsorption mechanism at pH of 8, initial solute concentration 200 mg/L, ionic strength of 0.01 M (NaNO3), Contact time of 180 min, and adsorbent dosage of 0.1 g. For adsorption kinetics, pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, elovich, and intra-particle diffusion models were fitted, while Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin Radushkevich models were fitted in isotherm study. According to the findings, increasing the carbonization temperature (400–700°C) boosted the effectiveness of cadmium removal substantially (70–96%), the best adsorption capacity of 130 mg/g was obtained at 700°C. Meanwhile, the removal efficiency of biochar blending ratios was not significantly different. Similarly, as the carbonization temperature was increased, the rate of Cd2+ adsorption increased dramatically, whereas the rate of Cd2+ desorption dropped. Langmuir isotherm adsorption model and Pseudo-second order kinetic model were found to fit best (R2 = 0.99) on isotherm and kinetics studies, respectively. It can be concluded that employing blended feedstock biochar could improve soil immobilization efficiency for Cd2+ in agricultural fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, various kinds of attapulgite and biochar were selected as the raw material. Attapulgite, being an inorganic carrier, was used to prepare the mineral materials of the modified composite-clay, and iron of Fe (II/III) and biochar was loaded on the surface of the attapulgite through chemical precipitation. Both attapulgite and biochar samples loaded with Fe2+/3+ were characterized using the FTIR, FESEM, XRD, surface area analysis and zeta potentials. A soil culture pot experiment was also carried out. The results showed that APT5 and BAC5 were selected as the best raw materials for the preparation of Fe2+/3+ loaded attapulgite and biochar. The composite had the highest adsorption rate, while the ratio of BAC5 to ATP5 was 1:10. The crystal structure of attapulgite was changed significantly after surface modification, being converted into montmorillonite, as being illustrated by the analysis of FESEM, XRD and FTIR. XRD, FTIR and Zeta potential biocarbon and Fe2+/3+ were successfully loaded on the surface of attapulgite, while Cd2+ was mainly bonded with Fe on the surface of the composite to form stable chemical covalent bonds. Combining with the results of soil culture pot experiment, we further indicate that under the material of proportion of 3%, Cd2+ passivation effect in the soil was the best. Moreover, plant Cd content in plants decreased by 89.3%, fresh weight of plants increased by 514% and height increased by 34.6%. Fe(II/III) loaded attapulgite-biochar can provide a potential remedy for Cd-contamination in soil environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was performed to assess Ni-immobilization and the phytoremediation potential of sunflower by the application of quinoa stalks biochar (QSB) and its magnetic nanocomposite (MQSB). The QSB and MQSB were characterized with FTIR, SEM, EDX, and XRD to get an insight of their surface properties. Three-week-old seedlings of sunflower were transplanted to soil spiked with Ni (0, 15, 30, 60, 90 mg kg−1), QSB and MQSB (0, 1, and 2%) in the wire house under natural conditions. The results showed that increasing Ni levels inhibited sunflower growth and yield due to the high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Enzyme activities like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POX) also increased as Ni levels increased. However, the application of QSB and MQSB reduced Ni uptake, root-shoot, and shoot-seed translocation and decreased the generation of ROS, and lowered the activity of SOD, CAT, APX, and POX, leading to improved growth and yield, especially with MQSB. This was verified through SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR. It can be concluded that QSB and MQSB can effectively enhance Ni-tolerance in sunflowers and mitigate oxidative stress and human health risks. The article focuses on enhancing the phytoremediation remediation potential of Helianthus annuus by using the quinoa stalks biochar (QSB) and magnetic quinoa stalks biochar (MQSB) by immobilization of Ni in soil and ultimately attenuation of oxidative stress in plants and human health risk. Iron enrichment of biochar improves the surface characteristics (surface area, functional groups, porosity, etc.) which help to immobilize metals ions. To the best of our knowledge, QSB and MQSB has never been used before to study the Ni dynamics and for enhancing sunflower phytoremediation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoremediation of arsenic (As) by Pteris vittata (P. vittata) is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for restoring As-contaminated sites. However, the phytoextraction efficiency is low in some cases, such as clay soil, thus biochar was applied to enhance the efficiency of As extraction. The paper investigated the effect of biochar on soil characteristic, As mobility, and As uptake in P. vittata with a 90-day greenhouse experiment. Biochar derived from rice straw was added at rates of 0.5, 1.5, and 4% (w/w). The results showed that, under biochar amendment, soil pH raised from 5.24 to 6.03 and 4.91 to 5.85, soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) increased 11.1–46.1% and 2.8–11.2%, respectively, in rhizosphere and bulk soils. Biochar also increased soil catalase (CAT) activity significantly, especially for the rhizosphere soil. Besides, biochar increased the labile As in the soils and transfer coefficient from roots to aboveground, thereby enhancing As accumulation by P. vittata tissues. The accumulation of As in fronds of P. vittata was up to 350 mg kg−1 in 1.5% biochar, which was more than twice the control and far beyond other biochar treatments. The results indicate that biochar addition is favorable to improve phytoremediation of P. vittata in As-contaminated soil and 1.5% (w/w) biochar may be a reasonable application ratio, thus providing an effective solution to enhance the efficiency of As phytoextraction. Biochar increased soil catalase activity in the rhizosphere of P. vittata. Biochar increased the labile concentration of arsenic in soil and arsenic accumulation in P. vittata significantly. Combining biochar and P. vittata reduced arsenic in soil. Biochar amendment was favorable for phytoremediation of P. vittata in arsenic-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge of phosphorus from rural wastewater causes eutrophication, so phosphorus removal is regarded as an important part of water treatment. In this study, corn biochar (BC) was prepared at pyrolysis temperature of 450 °C, and then Al-Fe dual-decorated biochar (AFBC) was obtained through a two-step modification method (AlCl3 immersion before FeCl3 immersion) on the base of BC. The characterization results showed that Fe and Al were decorated on corn biochar in the form of FeOOH, Fe2O3, and AlOOH. Compared with Al/Fe mono-decorated biochar (ABC/FBC), AFBC exhibited superior phosphate removal performance in a wide pH range (pH 4.0–11.0). The adsorption behavior of AFBC was a spontaneous exothermic process, and conformed to the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The adsorption mechanism was dominated by the electrostatic attraction and coordination between metal (hydrogen) oxide on biochar surface and phosphate. In the dynamic adsorption-desorption experiment, AFBC could reduce total phosphorus (TP) from 5.54 mg/L to 0.5 mg/L within 40 BV of actual rural wastewater. In addition, using phosphate-loaded AFBC as a soil conditioner promoted the growth of ryegrass, and it also provided an effective method to achieve bio-waste resource utilization and phosphorus reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar-derived dissolved organic matter (BDOM) plays key roles in soil ecosystem by affecting soil physicochemical and biological properties and supplying nutrients to soil microbes. It can either enhance or suppress the growth of certain soil microorganisms, depending on its composition and content of labile organic compounds. This review aims to discuss and summarize the role of BDOM in modifying soil microbial functioning, microbial community structure, and enzymatic activity. We mainly focus on the role of BDOM as a function of its concentration, type of feedstock biomass, and pyrolysis temperature (PT). Results show that saw dust- and manure-based biochars produce higher BDOM concentrations than straw-, bone-, and sludge-based biochars. The types of feedstock biomass and its PT determine BDOM characteristics and its interaction with soil microbial communities. Plant-derived biochar with pyrolysis temperature ≤300 °C often results in a more aliphatic BDOM than that with pyrolysis temperature ≥500 °C, which yields a more aromatic BDOM. BDOM of plant biochar contains higher specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) and humification index (HIX) than that of manure biochar. The SUVA and HIX of BDOM positively correlate (R2=0.68–0.96) with the content of total fatty acid methyl esters, but negatively correlate with the abundances of actinomycetes, arbuscular mycorrhizae, and fungal communities. However, the environmental fate of BDOM in biochar amended soil requires long-term experiment, both in laboratory and field scales, to provide a full understating of BDOM interaction with soil organic matter and microorganisms and help to tailor a safe utilization of biochar in agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal clayey soil has a great potential for food production and safety while poor physico-mechanical properties have impeded its sustainable utilization. A field experiment was conducted to assess the influence of biochar on physicomechanical properties of coastal clayey soil. The biochars were applied to the coastal soil with the rate of 0, 1%, and 3% (w/w), respectively. Compared with control treatment, the application of three biochars (at the rate of 3%) had significantly improved soil fertility, i.e. organic carbon, total nitrogen, available nitrogen and available phosphate, respectively. Biochar treatments significantly increased soil porosity, and aggregates stability, while reduced the soil salinity compared to the control treatment. Meanwhile, biochar application significantly increased the plastic index of coastal clayey soil while decreased soil tensile strength and shrink swell properties compared to the control. Biochar clearly altered soil pore characteristics, consequently rebuilding the new ions leaching channels. Overall, the cow manure biochar (650 °C) at the rate of 3% treatment showed maximum efficiency on soil salinity, fertility, physicomechanical properties, and crop yield. The biochar amendment improved coastal soil by ameliorating soil pore space and structure, improving soil tillage operation and rice yield, decreasing salt stress, and reducing mechanical strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar, a carbon-rich solid produced from biomass pyrolysis, has attracted growing interest as a fertiliser ingredient due to its ability to non-permanently retain nutrients. A greenhouse pot experiment was set up to compare three commercial organo-mineral fertiliser formulations (NPK, NP and K) with the corresponding formulations containing a slow-pyrolysis wood biochar (NPK+B, NP+B and K+B) (6 replications each). Nutrient leaching as well as crop growth and nutrient uptake was monitored using barley as model species. Nutrient leaching was slowed down in the NPK+B compared to the NPK fertiliser. The most responsive ions were nitrate and potassium, whose leaching during the two first weeks was reduced by 28% and 22%, respectively, while this trend reversed from the third week on. One plausible explanation would be a microbial nutrient immobilisation mediated by the concurrent NPK and biochar habitat provision. NPK+B significantly enhanced barley straw biomass (23.43% increase respect to NPK), whereas all the biochar-based fertilisers showed increases in nutrient content and export (involving potassium, sulphur, calcium and manganese), possibly indicating that biochar acted as a nutrient source. These results provide some evidence of the potential use of the studied biochar in biochar-based fertilisers to meet nutrient availability with plant demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization is a major threat to crop production. Biochar and aluminum sulfate as soil amendments are critical for improving rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity under saline-sodic conditions. This study explored the effects of rice-husk biochar and aluminum sulfate on rice growth, biomass, yield, and soil properties under saline-sodic conditions. The experiment was carried out in an experimental field located at the Jilin Agricultural University, China. Five treatments, viz., T0 (no biochar, no aluminum sulfate, no nitrogen), T1 (no biochar, no aluminum sulfate, with NPK), T2 (aluminum sulfate and NPK), T3 (biochar and NPK), and T4 (biochar, aluminum sulfate, and NPK), arranged in a completely randomized design with five biological replicates, were assessed. Compared to T0, plant height, tiller number, leaf dry weight, panicle dry weight, sheath dry weight, stem dry weight, and total dry biomass significantly increased by 14.67%, 56.39%, 60.13%, 59.53%, 39.00%, 58.36%, and 55.99%, respectively, with T1. Compared to T0, the grain yield significantly increased by 82.79% with T1. Additionally, biochar and aluminum sulfate applications significantly decreased the Na+ concentration in different rice organs and considerably increased the K+ concentration and consequently, the K+/Na+ ratio. Moreover, compared to the control, the soil pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, CO32-, and Cl- concentrations under T1, T2, T3, and T4 treatments were substantially improved. Therefore, biochar and aluminum sulfate applications can alleviate saline-sodic stress, improve soil health, and increase rice productivity on saline-sodic soils. The study findings are anticipated to help develop new management strategies for improving rice production under saline-sodic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochar amendment to soil proved to be beneficial to improve soil quality and provide nutrients. However, the effect of biochar on the availability of P is still controversial. We aim to study the effect of adding phosphate fertiliser and biochar on the P bioavailability in soils of different mineralogies. Eight biochars derived from biomass (rice husk and coffee husk), soil (sandy and clayey), and phosphate fertiliser (triple superphosphate) were produced. The biochar enrichment process with superphosphate was carried out before and after pyrolysis. Thus, we tested two biochar groups: (1) enriched biochars prior to pyrolysis; (2) enriched biochars after pyrolysis. These biochars were tested as P sources in soils of three mineralogies (kaolinite/oxide, kaolinite, and smectite). Batch sorption-desorption experiments were conducted. The sorbed P was fractionated to examine the factors controlling the retention of applied P. In the three soil mineralogies the use of enriched biochars prior to pyrolysis results in lower availability of P. In contrast, the enriched biochars after pyrolysis increase the bioavailability of P. The coffee husk biochar is more suitable than rice husk biochar to protect P from soil retention reactions. The use of sandy soil rather than clayey soil in enriched biochars compositions results in higher P content availability when applied to soils. The factor that controls the retention of P is the reaction between P, organic compounds, and Fe and Al compounds. The greater the relationship between biochar and soluble P in the fertiliser, the higher the increase of P retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochar-loaded nZVI/Ni bimetallic nanoparticles (BC@nZVI/Ni) was synthesized by liquid phase co-reduction method and evaluated for its potential Cr(VI) removal capacity. BC@nZVI/Ni had a good removal effect in a wide pH range (2.1-9.2). The removal efficiency reached 100% for 20 mg L−1 Cr(VI) at pH ≤ 3.1. The maximum adsorption capacity of 55.52 mg g−1 was obtained at 298 K. Its excellent removal performance was mainly attributed to the abundant surface functional groups of BC and its prevention effect on nZVI agglomeration, and the reduction effect of Ni(0) on Fe(II). The main mechanism of BC@nZVI/Ni for Cr(VI) removal was electrostatic attraction, ligand exchange, surface complexation, reduction and co-precipitation. The adsorption process fitted well with Freundlich and pseudo-second-order models. It was a spontaneous and endothermic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar application in agricultural soils can be highly beneficial to crop productivity in numerous ways. Rhizosphere nutrient dynamics and its relation to nutrient uptake of crops under biochar amendment remain unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the combined effect of biochar application and incubation on growth, yield, and rhizosphere nutrient availability of soybean (Glycine max L.) plant. A pot experiment was conducted with two biochar applications (with and without biochar) and two incubation conditions (with and without incubation) in a glasshouse. A separate soil column leaching experiment was conducted to test the nutrient retention ability of soil once biochar is amended. Irrespective of the incubation condition, biochar application made a significant increase in pod dry weight. The total nutrient uptake by soybean greatly increased under biochar amendment compared with the plants grown without biochar. When incubation is not done, soybean increased its P and K uptake respectively by 52% and 48% under biochar amendment compared to those without biochar. With incubation, the relevant increases were 42% and 32% respectively. The results from soil column leaching experiment suggest that the application of biochar in planting media could be an effective way to retain soil N by reducing the leaching losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of biochar remediation of heavy metal contamination in soils has been studied quite a lot, but there are still many uncertainties about the effect of interaction between biochar and functional bacteria that adsorb and leach heavy metals. In this paper, we conducted a pot experiment to investigate in depth the effects of biochar, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, and their combined treatment on heavy metal contents (Cr, As, Cd, and Pb) in soil and lettuce by using biochar and A. ferrooxidans. The results showed that biochar, A. ferrooxidans, and combined treatment increased soil pH by 42.55 ~ 51.06% and decreased the content of heavy metals in soil (0.07 ~ 60.80%). The average decrease was as follows: combined treatment (28.42%) > biochar (22.35%) > A. ferrooxidans (18.94%). All three treatments reduced the content of heavy metals in lettuce (26.19–84.42%), and the average size was combined treatment (60.82%) > biochar (52.55%) > A. ferrooxidans (44.00%). Biochar and A. ferrooxidans inhibited the enrichment of heavy metals in lettuce and promoted the growth of lettuce and the increase of nutrients. The combination of biochar and A. ferrooxidans can effectively control soil heavy metal pollution. The combined treatment can reduce the heavy metal content of lettuce and promote its growth, which is an excellent material for soil heavy metal deterrent control and has distinguished application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining activities provide a pathway for the entry and accumulation of various heavy metals in soil, which ultimately leads to severe environmental pollution. Utilization of various immobilizing agents could restore such contaminated soils. Therefore, in this study, date palm-derived biochars (BCs: produced at 300 °C, 500 °C and 700 °C) and magnetized biochars (MBCs) were employed to stabilize heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) in mining polluted soil. Metal polluted soil was amended with BCs and MBCs at w/w ratio of 2% and cultivated with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a greenhouse. After harvesting, dry and fresh biomass of plants were recorded. The soil and plant samples were collected, and the concentrations of heavy metals were measured after extracting with water, DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), and acetic acid. BCs and MBCs resulted in reduced metal availability and uptake, with higher fresh and dry biomass (>36%). MBCs showed maximum decrease (>70%) in uptake and shoot concentration of metals, as these reductions for Cd and Pb reached below the detection limits. Among all single-step extractions, the DTPA-extractable metals showed a significant positive correlation with shoot concentrations of tested metals. Thus, the synthesized BCs and MBCs could effectively be used for stabilizing heavy metals and improve plant productivity in multi-contaminated soils. However, future studies should focus on long term field trials to restore contaminated mining soils using modified biochars. This study has demonstrated the performance of magnetized biochars for in-situ stabilization of toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) in mining polluted soil by single extraction method. All the produced BCs and magnetized BCs showed great potential in immobilizing the metals and reducing their availability in soil, consequently decreasing their shoot concentration and plant uptake. Significant negative correlations were observed between soil pH and metal extraction from applied extraction methods such as water soluble, DTPA, and EDTA extractions. We found DTPA as a suitable extractant for investigating metal uptake in plant in multi-contaminated soils. Treatments with MBCs showed maximum decrease in plant uptake and concentration of studied metals. Thus, application of MBCs could efficiently immobilize soil heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pollution is an increasing environmental problem in all developing countries. Salinity and heavy metal stress increase the oxidative stress in plants and lead to the increased production of reactive oxygen species, decreases the production of anti-oxidant enzymes and decreases the rate of plant growth. In the current study, pea plants were grown in the botanical garden GCU, Lahore under stress of salinity and copper. In second stage, these plants were given the treatments of silicon nanoparticles and silicon nano-doped biochar. The salinity and copper effects were observed on different parameters of plant growth. Silicon nanoparticles and silicon-doped biochar proved to be the most effective in improving seedling fresh weight (70%) shoot length (68%), vitality index (82%), germination percentage (16%), seed vigor index (38%), and chlorophyll content (46%) under salinity and copper stress. Biochar, on the other hand, effectively improved root length (37%), total seedling length (55%), germination index (10%), and catalase (21%). Silicon nanoparticles and biochar proved to be most effective in decreasing total phenolics (11%) and total protein content (13%). Therefore, it is concluded that the application of Si-NPs and silicon-doped biochar can enhance plants resistance against saline-sodic and metal contaminated soil and can mitigate these stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel applications of the closed-vessel conductively heated digestion system (CHDS) are proposed to digest biomass, biochar, oyster shell flour, bone meal and swine manure for the determination of Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS). The performance of the digestion method using 14 and 7 mol L−1 HNO3 was checked by analyzing soil, rock, and plant certified reference materials (CRMs). For comparative purposes, all samples were analyzed after microwave-assisted digestion (MW-AD). Results obtained for most analytes by the closed-vessel conductively heated digestion system (CHDS) were in agreement with certified values and those attained by the comparative digestion method. The use of 7 mol L−1 HNO3 furnished lower blanks for most analytes and was effective to prepare challenging samples as biomass, biochar, shell and bone meal, swine manure, plants, soil, phosphate rock, and may be a good alternative for elemental determinations using most analytical techniques that rely on solution-based sample introduction systems. The detection limits (dry basis, mg kg−1) for Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn were 3, 0.4, 4, 4, 0.7, 0.4, 3, and 2, respectively. The mean relative standard deviations were close to 4.9% for closed-vessel conductively heated digestion (CHDS) and 5.9% for microwave-assisted digestion (MW-AD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxic and hazardous metals such as cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) can cause cancer in humans; hence, reducing their bioavailability in the soil is crucial for human health and environmental safety. In this study, biochar modified with nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI-BC) was synthesized from low-cost adsorbent waste materials and iron (iii) oxide (Fe2O3) via carbothermal reduction process for stabilization of Pb and Cd in the soil. Furthermore, an evaluation of treatment efficiency on exposure health hazards for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks was done. The results revealed that nZVI-modified eggshell biochar was able to reduce the concentration bioavailable of Pb and Cd in soil by (69–75%) and (62–65%), and reduce the toxicity leaching of Pb and Cd by (53–66%) and (68–75%), respectively. The treatments reduced carcinogenic risk (CR) and hazard index (HI) in children and adults by 35–47% for Pb and 25–36% for Cd, respectively. Hence, this study proposes a new way to reduce and modify environmental wastes to make nZVI-supported biochar that can remediate toxic metals from the soil, improve soil nutrients, reduce human exposure health risks, and enhance the environment's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry litter is a complex mixture comprising heavy metals feed scraps, antibiotics, water, feathers. Although treatment of these wastes has not currently received much attention in Nigeria, poultry litter is widely used as source of organic fertilizer for subsistence farming by rural and urban areas of the country. It is essential to effectively stabilize the organic waste because the continuous use of the poultry manure in agricultural activities poses great threat to the health of the soil environment due to heavy metals and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Composting is an effective method for stabilizing organic manure toward reducing the heavy metals content. Hence, the present study determined the effect of biochar additives on heavy metals and antibiotic-resistant bacteria removal during composting of poultry litter (PL), vegetable waste (VW), and corn stalk (CS). To this end, three composting trials were set-up comprising control: PL (57.58%) þ CS (38.41%) þ VW (4.01%), TX: control þ 5% biochar, and TY: control þ 10% biochar. The composting pile was also spiked with heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, and As) and their removal efficiencies were monitored. To enumerate the antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the compost, Nutrient agar was supplemented with antibiotics such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, and tetracycline. The outcome of the investigation showed that the highest reduction in total coliform from 3.68 to 1.06 log10 CFU g-1 was observed in TY. The addition of 10% biochar in TY also reduced the concentration of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in all the treatments to an undetectable limit compared to TX (5% biochar) and control (no biochar). The biochar-aided heavy metals removal followed a first-order path. With the exception of Cd removal where TX showed the best removal rate (k=0.1582), the TY resulted in best removal rates for Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, and As. The decreasing order of heavy metal removal rates from TY is as follows: Cu (k=0.2025) > Cr (k=0.1403) > Pb (k=0.1300) > Zn (k=0.1290), > As (k=0.090). Therefore, biochar additives during composting of poultry litter should be encouraged amongst the rural farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work was aimed at isolating and demonstrating the significant potential of autochthonous fungi for phytoextraction of hazardous metals in metal polluted soil using Helianthus annuus. Four multi-metal resistant strains of Trichoderma were selected from a total of 21 strains isolated from tannery polluted soil and tannery solid waste. Autochthonous Trichoderma strains were used singly and in the form of consortium (TC). Sunflower was grown in pots for 90 days having eight different amendments of tannery polluted soil with and without Trichoderma inoculation. Growth and biochemical attributes of the plants were observed along with metal content extract by different plant parts. The results revealed that TC enhanced shoot length, shoot dry weight, and metal uptake as compared to single specie inoculation. Similarly, BCF (72.8–118.23%) and TF were significantly pronounced in shoots of H. annuus grown with TC at 40% amended soil. The biochemical analysis of the plants showed that Trichoderma strains boosted the enzymatic (catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) antioxidants in the plants. The use of indigenous fungi with metal accumulating plants like sunflower can help to alleviate metal contamination from industrial sites and can make the soil cultivable for energy crops. The genus Trichoderma is among the most common cosmopolitan soil fungi that enhance phytoextraction capability of plants. Hence, the isolation and identification of diversified and potent Trichoderma strains from contaminated environments is the need of the hour for broad spectrum applications in bioremediation. In the present study, contaminated soil mycoflora was explored and multi-metal resistant strains of Trichoderma were isolated. Their application in myco-assisted phytoextraction with Helianthus annuus was assessed to analyze their impact on the metal removal efficacy and enhancing growth in highly contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempted to investigate the adsorptive potential of blended bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) sawdust/rice husk (BSD/RH) at a ratio of 1:1 carbonized at 400 °C for the sorption of cadmium ions from synthetic solutions in batch mode. The Box-Behnken Design in response surface methodology (RSM) was used to achieve the best removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of the biochar. With a p-value of 0.0001, the initial Cd2+ concentration and adsorbent dose were discovered to be the most significant parameters controlling the adsorption capacity and removal efficiency of Cd2+ from the solution. At a pH of 8.95, ionic strength of 0.020 mol/L KNO3, a contact time of 15 min, an initial concentration of 200 mg/L, and an adsorbent dose of 0.5 g, the optimum Cd2+ removal and adsorption capacity of 99.97% and 358.65 mg/g, respectively, were obtained. The optimized conditions were later used to determine the removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of pristine biochars of rice husk and bamboo sawdust, which were found to be 79.8% and 83.7%, respectively. This finding indicates the potential for using biosorbent derived from blended feedstock materials to remove heavy metals such as cadmium. Many studies investigated the pollutant removal potential of agricultural wastes as single feedstock adsorbent materials. The novel aspect of this study is that it examines their potentials on Cd2+ removal by combining two feedstocks (bamboo saw dust and rice husk) while optimizing the common influencing factors. Furthermore, a comparative analytical study was carried out between the blended feedstock biochar and their respective pristine ones. According to the findings, using blended biochar instead of pristine biochar results in a significant increase in Cd removal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity continues to be a key factor limiting food security and agricultural sustainability in arid and semi-arid countries. Biochar has been promoted to reduce the risk of saline irrigation. In a controlled study, physiological and morphological growth factors of kochia plants that were irrigated with tap water (S1) and saline water (S2) were assessed to identify the ameliorative effects of biochar amendment to the soil at different levels (B1: 0%, B2: 2%, B3: 5%, and B4: 10%. According to our findings, salinity stress negatively affected morphological and physiological growth parameters of kochia plants by decreasing the fresh and dry weight (25% and 28%, respectively), plant height (30%), circumference (46%), total chlorophyll (51%), and relative water content (29%) when compared to the controls. Furthermore, electrolyte leakage increased considerably (19%) due to salt stress. Significant morphological and physiological growth enhancements were seen at all biochar levels in comparison to the control treatment, with the highest level increasing plant height by 55%, circumference by 76%, total chlorophyll concentrations by 121%, and relative water content by 28%. Furthermore, it resulted in a 36% reduction in the stressed plants' electrolyte leakage. The findings demonstrated biochar's benefits in reducing salinity's negative effects on kochia plants. • This study provides new data about the specifying the impact of using biochar on salinity concentration and the growth parameters of kochia plants. This investigation demonstrated a significant results in terms of that the salinity stress relative to using biochar. • Biochar is crucial for stimulating and activating biochemical defensive mechanisms against salt stress; yet, research in this area is lacking. • Biochar has shown that it is crucial to stimulate biochemical defense mechanisms against salinity stress • It was found that using biochar as a soil supplement improved morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of the kochia plant by increasing fresh and dried weight per plant, plant height, plant circumference, chlorophyll concentrations, and relative water content while lowering electrolyte leakage in stressed kochia plants. This research will aid in increasing kochia's early development and stand establishment in saline circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis of Prunus dulcis was performed in the presence off our catalysts (ZnCl2, Fe2O3, Alumina, and ZSM-5) using a fixed bed tubular reactor. The factors affecting the product yield were premeditated. Prunus dulcisshowed a high heating value of 19.72 MJ/Kg which makes it very efficient for biofuel usage. Biochar obtained showed high carbon content and large heating values. Different pyrolytic product yields were obtained with different catalysts. Among all the catalysts, alumina and ZSM-5 showed a maximum yield of liquid product. FT-IR, GC-MS, and elemental analysis were performed to determine the product yield and bio oil compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heat treatment of nutshells, followed by the densification of its biochar particles, can be used as a process to improve its quality for use as a solid fuel. In this study, Taguchi method, gray relational analysis (GRA), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to elucidate the effect of compressive force, particle size, and binder content on physical properties of biochar briquettes produced from nutshells, they were also used to determine the optimum conditions of compressing the fuel briquettes. The percentage contribution of each controllable factor was also determined. The solid fuel briquettes were produced by compacting the mixture of the ground biochar and the binder (molasses) at ambient temperature, using a piston and mold process. The results showed that the obtained biochar has a good fuel quality; the amount of binder is the most influent parameter; and that the energy briquettes obtained under the optimal conditions (compressive force of 112 MPa; binder amount of 40%; particle size <200 µm) present a high density, high calorific value, and a good compressive strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their extensive use in wastewater treatment, biochar/layered double hydroxides (BC/LDHs) may serve as novel growing media (GM) amendments for horticultural farming. In the present study, GM was supplemented with BC/LDHs at three application rates [0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% (wt/wt)] denoted as BC/LDHs0, BC/LDHs2.5, and BC/LDHs5.0, respectively, and successive changes in the physiochemical properties of GM were evaluated. The experimental results indicated that at the end of the incubation period, GM was vastly stimulated after BC/LDH amendments, particularly in the case of BC/LDHs5.0, where the pH (7.05) and electrical conductivity (0.43 dS/m) were in accordance with the optimal criteria for soilless cultivation. Moisture content, bulk density, total porosity, and water retention were also improved after BC/LDH remediation although there were insignificant differences among individual dosages for the last two indices. Although increased amendment levels did not benefit total carbon and nitrogen, the maximum efficiency that was reflected in an enhancement of at least 86% in phosphorus, magnesium, and aluminum contents was derived from BC/LDHs5.0. Nevertheless, due to an overriding concern over aluminum interference, BC/LDHs2.5 was recommended given its non-significant difference with non-amendment. Such positive effects of BC/LDHs, on a wide range of GM quality indicators, signify their potential in amendment applications. This study not only provides an alternative approach for the reuse of plant-essential nutrients, but also a means to facilitate sustainable adsorbent waste management, through the extended applicability and validity of BC/LDHs and their utilization in agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solving the soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration problem is crucial for agricultural sustainability. The main objective of our study was to assess the effects of biochar derived from different organic wastes on SOC, SOC storage, and soil aggregate fractions in a corn-Chinese cabbage rotation system. A consecutive two-year field experiment was conducted with six fertilization treatments, including nonfertilization (CK), mineral N, P, and K fertilizer (NPK), distiller-derived biochar (NPK + D), tobacco-derived biochar (NPK + T), tobacco-derived modified biochar (NPK + TM), and corn straw-derived biochar (NPK + CS). Compared to the NPK treatment, the NPK + D, NPK + T, and NPK + TM treatments significantly increased SOC by 56.3%, 58.6%, and 31.7%, respectively. Among all treatments, the NPK + T treatment had the highest SOC storage at 32.1 t ha−1. Compared with CK, the NPK + T treatment increased large macroaggregates and small macroaggregates by 38.3% and 10.7%, respectively. Compared to the NPK treatment, the biochar treatments improved the geometric mean diameter (GMD) by 15.5%–25.2%. Biochar has considerable potential for enhancing crop productivity in degraded yellow soils by improving the physical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive N critically depresses soil properties. Biochar has the potential to enhance soil health. A two-year field experiment was conducted to analyze the effects of biochar (0, 10, 20 and 40 t ha−1, namely, B0, B10, B20 and B40) combined with N (180, 144 and 108 kg ha−1, namely, N100, N80 and N60) on soil microorganisms. Results showed that B10 significantly promoted soil microbial biomass and had a strong correlation with most microbial groups, mainly reflected in a15:00, 10Me17:0, i18:0, i19:0, i16:0, 16:1w5c, 10Me18:0, 18:0 2OH and 18:00, while N60 decreased fungi and actinomycete content. Soil microbial functional activity was also significantly increased under B10 and B20 treatments and decreased under N80 and N60 treatments, compared to B0 treatment and N100 treatment, respectively. Microbial functional composition was also changed greatly by biochar, and B10 and B20 were closely related to most carbon sources. The combination of B10 and N80 significantly increased soil microbial biomass (total PLFA by 1.4 nM kg−1) and functional activity (Shannon index and Evenness index by 0.8%) compared with conventional N management (N100B0). Our findings reveal that biochar can achieve N reduction and enhance soil microbial diversity and community stability in purple soil regions of southwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products are toxic chemicals which are widespread primarily due to wastewater application and its treatment processes. Biosolids are treated organic end products produced during wastewater treatment. Biosolids are applied in agriculture soils to increase productivity after meeting regulatory directives. However, biosolids have been documented to contain pharmaceuticals and personal care products during wastewater treatment process. Land application of biosolids has the potential to transfer these contaminants into soil-vegetable system leading to potential health risk. Hence, effective management of biosolids is necessary for its land application with minimal contamination risks. For this, biochar application has gained interest in recent years. Biochar amendment can help in managing pharmaceutical and personal care product contamination. Biochar derived through pyrolysis of biosolids can be an effective alternative to reduce contamination through direct biosolid application. This review gives an overview of important pharmaceuticals and personal care products spread due to biosolid amendment in soil and highlights their contamination in soil-vegetable system. An insight into their accumulation in soil-vegetable system, the translocation and risk assessment studies have been investigated. Lastly, the management of these contaminants through biochar application along with research gaps and future perspectives is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the best dehydration effect, this study compared the adsorption phosphorus effect of sludge biochar after sludge conditioning with FeCl3, KMnO4, and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM). This provided insights into the effects of chemical conditioning during the sludge dewatering stage on the overall phosphate adsorption of the dewatered sludge biochar. The phosphorus adsorption mechanism of the dewatering sludge biochar was analysed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Under the optimal pyrolysis temperature (300°C), the phosphate adsorption capacity of FeCl3-conditioned sludge biochar (SB-FeCl3) was increased 77 times of the unconditioned sludge biochar. In different solution environments (e.g. pH and coexisting anions), Phosphate adsorption of SB-FeCl3 was srtrongest when the pH of 9 and contained CO32-. Through the analysis of surface elements and functional groups, it was explained that the phosphorus removal effect of SB-FeCl3 comes from abundant active sites containing iron. Phosphorus release occurred in sludge biochar (SB) during the study. SB-FeCl3 solved SB the release of phosphorus, and improved the adsorption capacity of phosphorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrokinetic remediation (EK) combined with a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is a relatively new technique for efficiently remediating Cd-contaminated soil in situ. Eupatorium adenophorum, which is a malignant invasive plant, was used to synthesise biochar and a novel lanthanum-based biochar composite (LaC). The biochar and LaC were used as cheap and environmentally benign PRB filling materials to remediate simulated and real Cd-contaminated soils. The pH and residual Cd concentration in the simulated contaminated soil during remediation gradually increased from the anode to the cathode used to apply an electric field to the EK–PRB system. However, the soil conductivity changed in the opposite way, and the current density first increased and then decreased. For simulated contaminated soils with initial Cd concentrations of 34.9 and 100.6 mg kg−1, the mean Cd removal rates achieved using LaC were 90.6% and 89.3%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of biochar (P < 0.05). Similar results were achieved using natural soils from mining area and polluted farmland, and the Cd removal rates were 66.9% and 72.0%, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that there were many functional groups on the LaC surfaces. The removal mechanism of EK-PRB for Cd in contaminated soil includes electromigration, electroosmotic flow, surface adsorption, and ion exchange. The results indicated that the LaC could be used in the EK–PRB technique as a cheap and 'green' material to efficiently decontaminate soil polluted with heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]