Enhanced Biochar as a Game-Changer in Heavy Metal and Organic Pollutant Remediation
Abstract
Soil pollution represents a significant global environmental challenge driven by industrial activities, agricultural practices, and urban development, which collectively contribute to the accumulation of heavy metals and organic contaminants. Current estimates indicate that approximately 52 million hectares of land worldwide are affected by heavy metal contamination, resulting in decreased agricultural productivity and posing serious risks to human health. Traditional methods for soil treatment often incur high costs and pose the risk of secondary pollution, underscoring the necessity for sustainable and efficient remediation technologies. This review examines recent advancements in biochar-based remediation of soil pollution, emphasizing biochar preparation, modification techniques, pollutant removal mechanisms, and the impacts on soil properties and microbial communities. Biochar has shown significant potential in immobilizing heavy metals through various processes, including adsorption, ion exchange, and precipitation. Modified biochar enhances adsorption efficiency. Research has demonstrated that alkali-modified biochar significantly reduces cadmium bioavailability by more than 50%, while nano-enhanced biochar demonstrates high efficiency in degrading organic pollutants such as PNP and OTC. Future research should prioritize large-scale implementation, advanced modification strategies, and comprehensive risk assessments to optimize biochar applications in sustainable soil remediation efforts.