Biochar application strategies for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons removal from soils

• Published in: Environmental research Vol. 213; p. 113599
• Main Authors: Valizadeh, Soheil, Lee, Sang Soo, Choi, Yong Jun, Baek, Kitae, Jeon, Byong-Hun, Andrew Lin, Kun-Yi, Park, Young-Kwon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01.10.2022
• Subjects: Biochar; Biological remediation; PAHs; particle size; porosity; pyrolysis; Soil pollution; soil remediation; surface area; temperature; PAHs; Biological remediation; Biochar; Soil pollution
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113599

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known as a hazardous group of pollutants in the soil which causes many challenges to the environment. In this study, the potential of biochar (BC), as a carbonaceous material, is evaluated for the immobilization of PAHs in soils. For this purpose, various bonding mechanisms of BC and PAHs, and the strength of bonds are firstly described. Also, the effect of impressive criteria including BC physicochemical properties (such as surface area, porosity, particle size, polarity, aromaticity, functional group, etc., which are mostly the function of pyrolysis temperature), number of rings in PAHs, incubation time, and soil properties, on the extent and rate of PAHs immobilization by BC are explained. Then, the utilization of BC in collaboration with biological tools which simplifies further dissipation of PAHs in the soil is described considering detailed interactions among BC, microbes, and plants in the soil matrix. The co-effect of BC and biological remediation has been authenticated by previous studies. Moreover, recent technologies and challenges related to the application of BC in soil remediation are explained. The implementation of a combined BC-biological remediation method would provide excellent prospects for PAHs-contaminated soils. •Bioremediation has an outstanding efficiency in PAHs-contaminated soils.•Biochar stimulates the metabolic activity of PAHs-degrading microorganisms and plants.•Biochar remarkably immobilizes PAHs in a soil.•Biochar’ functions directly correlate with its feedstock and pyrolytic temperature.