Summary Progress Update 2021: SDG 6 — Water and Sanitation for All (United Nations, 2021).
Lu, L. et al. Wastewater treatment for carbon capture and utilization. Nat. Sustain. 1, 750–758 (2018).
Google Scholar
Li, W.-W., Yu, H.-Q. & Rittmann, B. E. Chemistry: reuse water pollutants. Nature 528, 29–31 (2015).
Google Scholar
McCarty, P. L., Bae, J. & Kim, J. Domestic wastewater treatment as a net energy producer — can this be achieved? Environ. Sci. Technol. 45, 7100–7106 (2011).
Google Scholar
Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs — Sustainable Development, 2015).
He, M. et al. Critical impacts of pyrolysis conditions and activation methods on application-oriented production of wood waste-derived biochar. Bioresour. Technol. 341, 125811 (2021). Evaluates the critical impact of pyrolysis temperature on physicochemical properties of pristine and activated biochar.
Google Scholar
IPCC. Strengthening and implementing the global response. Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C (eds Masson-Delmotte, V. et al.) Ch. 4 (WMO, 2018).
Lehmann, J., Gaunt, J. & Rondon, M. Bio-char sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems — a review. Mitig. Adapt. Strateg. Glob. Chang. 11, 403–427 (2006).
Google Scholar
Wiedner, K. & Glaser, B. in Biochar for Environmental Management: Science, Technology and Implementation 2nd edition (eds Lehmann, J. & Joseph, S.) 14–32 (Routledge, 2015).
Wang, H. et al. Phosphorus recovery from the liquid phase of anaerobic digestate using biochar derived from iron-rich sludge: a potential phosphorus fertilizer. Water Res. 174, 115629 (2020).
Google Scholar
Chen, S. S. et al. Designing sustainable drainage systems in subtropical cities: challenges and opportunities. J. Clean. Prod. 280, 124418 (2021).
Google Scholar
Shaheen, S. M. et al. Wood-based biochar for the removal of potentially toxic elements in water and wastewater: a critical review. Int. Mater. Rev. 64, 216–247 (2019).
Google Scholar
Yang, Q. et al. Prospective contributions of biomass pyrolysis to China’s 2050 carbon reduction and renewable energy goals. Nat. Commun. 12, 1698 (2021).
Google Scholar
Lehmann, J. et al. Biochar in climate change mitigation. Nat. Geosci. 14, 883–892 (2021). Highlights that biochar is a carbon-negative material for environmental and energy applications.
Google Scholar
Euronews.green. How is the €3 billion biochar industry transforming green energy in Sweden? https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/06/14/how-is-the-3-billion-biochar-industry-transforming-green-energy-sweden (2021).
Inkwoodresearch. Global biochar market forecast 2020–2028. https://www.inkwoodresearch.com/reports/global-biochar-market/# (2021).
State of the Biochar Industry 2015 (International Biochar Initiative (IBI), 2015).
Kumar, M. et al. Critical review on biochar-supported catalysts for pollutant degradation and sustainable biorefinery. Adv. Sustain. Syst. 4, 1900149 (2020).
Google Scholar
Godlewska, P., Ok, Y. S. & Oleszczuk, P. The dark side of black gold: ecotoxicological aspects of biochar and biochar-amended soils. J. Hazard. Mater. 403, 123833 (2021). Reviews the potential risks of biochar application, which need further investigation.
Google Scholar
Li, H. B. et al. Mechanisms of metal sorption by biochars: biochar characteristics and modifications. Chemosphere 178, 466–478 (2017).
Google Scholar
Lee, J., Kim, K. H. & Kwon, E. E. Biochar as a catalyst. Renew. Sust. Energ. Rev. 77, 70–79 (2017).
Google Scholar
Xiao, X., Chen, B. L., Chen, Z. M., Zhu, L. Z. & Schnoor, J. L. Insight into multiple and multilevel structures of biochars and their potential environmental applications: a critical review. Environ. Sci. Technol. 52, 5027–5047 (2018). Reviews how the transformation of organic and inorganic phases with increasing temperature determines the properties of biochar and its potential applications.
Google Scholar
Dai, Y. J., Zhang, N. X., Xing, C. M., Cui, Q. X. & Sun, Q. Y. The adsorption, regeneration and engineering applications of biochar for removal organic pollutants: a review. Chemosphere 223, 12–27 (2019).
Google Scholar
Wang, J. L. & Wang, S. Z. Preparation, modification and environmental application of biochar: a review. J. Clean. Prod. 227, 1002–1022 (2019).
Google Scholar
Zhao, Y., Yuan, X., Li, X., Jiang, L. & Wang, H. Burgeoning prospects of biochar and its composite in persulfate-advanced oxidation process. J. Hazard. Mater. 409, 124893 (2021).
Google Scholar
Ren, S. et al. Hydrochar-facilitated anaerobic digestion: evidence for direct interspecies electron transfer mediated through surface oxygen-containing functional groups. Environ. Sci. Technol. 54, 5755–5766 (2020).
Google Scholar
Wu, J., Lu, T., Bi, J., Yuan, H. & Chen, Y. A novel sewage sludge biochar and ferrate synergetic conditioning for enhancing sludge dewaterability. Chemosphere 237, 124339 (2019).
Google Scholar
Whitman, T. & Lehmann, J. Biochar — one way forward for soil carbon in offset mechanisms in Africa? Environ. Sci. Policy 12, 1024–1027 (2009).
Google Scholar
Woolf, D., Amonette, J. E., Street-Perrott, F. A., Lehmann, J. & Joseph, S. Sustainable biochar to mitigate global climate change. Nat. Commun. 1, 56 (2010).
Google Scholar
Chen, W., Meng, J., Han, X., Lan, Y. & Zhang, W. Past, present, and future of biochar. Biochar 1, 75–87 (2019).
Google Scholar
Kwak, J.-H. et al. Biochar properties and lead(ii) adsorption capacity depend on feedstock type, pyrolysis temperature, and steam activation. Chemosphere 231, 393–404 (2019).
Google Scholar
Dutta, S., He, M., Xiong, X. & Tsang, D. C. W. Sustainable management and recycling of food waste anaerobic digestate: a review. Bioresour. Technol. 341, 125915 (2021).
Google Scholar
Xiao, X. & Chen, B. A direct observation of the fine aromatic clusters and molecular structures of biochars. Environ. Sci. Technol. 51, 5473–5482 (2017).
Google Scholar
Li, S., Harris, S., Anandhi, A. & Chen, G. Predicting biochar properties and functions based on feedstock and pyrolysis temperature: a review and data syntheses. J. Clean. Prod. 215, 890–902 (2019).
Google Scholar
Crittenden, J. C., Trussell, R. R., Hand, D. W., Howe, K. J. & Tchobanoglous, G. MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design 3rd edition (Wiley, 2012).
Enaime, G., Bacaoui, A., Yaacoubi, A. & Luebken, M. Biochar for wastewater treatment — conversion technologies and applications. Appl. Sci. 10, 3492 (2020).
Google Scholar
Thompson, K. A. et al. Environmental comparison of biochar and activated carbon for tertiary wastewater treatment. Environ. Sci. Technol. 50, 11253–11262 (2016).
Google Scholar
Cheng, N. et al. Adsorption of emerging contaminants from water and wastewater by modified biochar: a review. Environ. Pollut. 273, 116448 (2021).
Google Scholar
Huggins, T. M., Haeger, A., Biffinger, J. C. & Ren, Z. J. Granular biochar compared with activated carbon for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. Water Res. 94, 225–232 (2016).
Google Scholar
Activated Carbon Market by Type (Powdered, Granular, Others (Pelletized, Bead)), Application (Liquid Phase (Water Treatment, Foods & Beverages, Pharmaceutical & Medical), Gaseous Phase (Industrial, Automotive)), Region — Global Forecast to 2021 (MarketsAndMarkets, 2017).
Chen, Z., Zhang, W., Wang, D., Ma, T. & Bai, R. Enhancement of activated sludge dewatering performance by combined composite enzymatic lysis and chemical re-flocculation with inorganic coagulants: kinetics of enzymatic reaction and re-flocculation morphology. Water Res. 83, 367–376 (2015).
Google Scholar
Shewa, W. A. & Dagnew, M. Revisiting chemically enhanced primary treatment of wastewater: a review. Sustainability 12, 5928 (2020).
Google Scholar
Tao, S. et al. Enhanced sludge dewaterability with sludge-derived biochar activating hydrogen peroxide: synergism of Fe and Al elements in biochar. Water Res. 182, 115927 (2020).
Google Scholar
Yang, X. et al. Enhanced sludge dewaterability by a novel MnFe2O4-biochar activated peroxymonosulfate process combined with tannic acid. Chem. Eng. J. 429, 132280 (2022).
Google Scholar
Wu, Y. et al. Possibility of sludge conditioning and dewatering with rice husk biochar modified by ferric chloride. Bioresour. Technol. 205, 258–263 (2016).
Google Scholar
Wu, Y. et al. Combined sludge conditioning of micro-disintegration, floc reconstruction and skeleton building (KMnO4/FeCl3/biochar) for enhancement of waste activated sludge dewaterability. J. Taiwan. Inst. Chem. Eng. 74, 121–128 (2017).
Google Scholar
Hu, P. et al. The influence of hydrophobicity on sludge dewatering associated with cationic starch-based flocculants. J. Environ. Manage. 296, 113218 (2021).
Google Scholar
Useviciute, L. & Baltrenaite, E. Methods for determining lignocellulosic biochar wettability. Waste Biomass Valoriz. 11, 4457–4468 (2019).
Google Scholar
Li, H. et al. Enhanced sludge dewaterability by Fe-rich biochar activating hydrogen peroxide: co-hydrothermal red mud and reed straw. J. Environ. Manage. 296, 113239 (2021).
Google Scholar
Liang, J., Luo, L., Li, D., Wang, H. & Wong, J. W. C. Conductive materials supplement alters digestate dewaterability during anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and sewage sludge and promotes follow-up indigenous peroxides activation. Chem. Eng. J. 431, 133875 (2021).
Google Scholar
Wang, C. et al. Role of biochar in the granulation of anaerobic sludge and improvement of electron transfer characteristics. Bioresour. Technol. 268, 28–35 (2018).
Google Scholar
Zhao, Z., Li, Y., Quan, X. & Zhang, Y. Towards engineering application: potential mechanism for enhancing anaerobic digestion of complex organic waste with different types of conductive materials. Water Res. 115, 266–277 (2017).
Google Scholar
Fagbohungbe, M. O. et al. The challenges of anaerobic digestion and the role of biochar in optimizing anaerobic digestion. Waste Manage. 61, 236–249 (2017).
Google Scholar
van Dijk, E. J. H., Pronk, M. & van Loosdrecht, M. C. M. A settling model for full-scale aerobic granular sludge. Water Res. 186, 116135 (2020).
Google Scholar
de Kreuk, M. K., Kishida, N. & van Loosdrecht, M. C. M. Aerobic granular sludge — state of the art. Water Sci. Technol. 55, 75–81 (2007).
Google Scholar
Wang, X. et al. Rapid aerobic granulation using biochar for the treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater. Pet. Sci. 17, 1411–1421 (2020).
Google Scholar
Ming, J. et al. Bioreactor performance using biochar and its effect on aerobic granulation. Bioresour. Technol. 300, 122620 (2020).
Google Scholar
Sohn, W. et al. A review on membrane fouling control in anaerobic membrane bioreactors by adding performance enhancers. J. Water Process. Eng. 40, 101867 (2021).
Google Scholar
Wang, Z., Wu, Z. & Tang, S. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) properties and their effects on membrane fouling in a submerged membrane bioreactor. Water Res. 43, 2504–2512 (2009).
Google Scholar
Sima, X.-F. et al. Robust biochar-assisted alleviation of membrane fouling in MBRs by indirect mechanism. Sep. Purif. Technol. 184, 195–204 (2017).
Google Scholar
Shimabuku, K. K. et al. Biochar sorbents for sulfamethoxazole removal from surface water, stormwater, and wastewater effluent. Water Res. 96, 236–245 (2016).
Google Scholar
Suresh Kumar, P., Korving, L., Keesman, K. J., van Loosdrecht, M. C. M. & Witkamp, G.-J. Effect of pore size distribution and particle size of porous metal oxides on phosphate adsorption capacity and kinetics. Chem. Eng. J. 358, 160–169 (2019).
Google Scholar
Zhang, M. et al. Formation of disinfection byproducts as affected by biochar during water treatment. Chemosphere 233, 190–197 (2019).
Google Scholar
Kwarciak-Kozłowska, A. in Industrial and Municipal Sludge (eds Narasimha Vara Prasad, M. et al.) 337–360 (Butterworth-Heinemann, 2019).
Gopinath, A. et al. Conversion of sewage sludge into biochar: a potential resource in water and wastewater treatment. Environ. Res. 194, 110656 (2021).
Google Scholar
Chen, Y.-d et al. Production, properties, and catalytic applications of sludge derived biochar for environmental remediation. Water Res. 187, 116390 (2020).
Google Scholar
Yu, J. et al. Magnetic nitrogen-doped sludge-derived biochar catalysts for persulfate activation: Internal electron transfer mechanism. Chem. Eng. J. 364, 146–159 (2019).
Google Scholar
Wan, Z. et al. Critical impact of nitrogen vacancies in nonradical carbocatalysis on nitrogen-doped graphitic biochar. Environ. Sci. Technol. 55, 7004–7014 (2021).
Google Scholar
Yan, L. et al. ZnCl2 modified biochar derived from aerobic granular sludge for developed microporosity and enhanced adsorption to tetracycline. Bioresour. Technol. 297, 122381 (2020).
Google Scholar
Ding, X., Chen, H., Yang, Q., Wei, J. & Wei, D. Effect of sludge property on the synthesis, characterization and sorption performance of sludge-based biochar. Bioresour. Technol. Rep. 7, 100204 (2019).
Google Scholar
Barbusiński, K., Parzentna-Gabor, A. & Kasperczyk, D. Removal of odors (mainly H2S and NH3) using biological treatment methods. Clean. Technol. 3, 138–155 (2021).
Google Scholar
Talaiekhozani, A., Bagheri, M., Goli, A. & Talaei Khoozani, M. R. An overview of principles of odor production, emission, and control methods in wastewater collection and treatment systems. J. Environ. Manage. 170, 186–206 (2016).
Google Scholar
Hwang, O. et al. Efficacy of different biochars in removing odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from swine manure. ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng. 6, 14239–14247 (2018).
Google Scholar
Choudhury, A. & Lansing, S. Biochar addition with Fe impregnation to reduce H2S production from anaerobic digestion. Bioresour. Technol. 306, 123121 (2020).
Google Scholar
Hao, X. et al. Environmental impacts of resource recovery from wastewater treatment plants. Water Res. 160, 268–277 (2019).
Google Scholar
Fang, L. L., Valverde-Pérez, B., Damgaard, A., Plósz, B. G. & Rygaard, M. Life cycle assessment as development and decision support tool for wastewater resource recovery technology. Water Res. 88, 538–549 (2016).
Google Scholar
Zheng, Y. et al. Reclaiming phosphorus from secondary treated municipal wastewater with engineered biochar. Chem. Eng. J. 362, 460–468 (2019).
Google Scholar
He, M. et al. A critical review on performance indicators for evaluating soil biota and soil health of biochar-amended soils. J. Hazard. Mater. 414, 125378 (2021).
Google Scholar
Yang, F. et al. Metal chloride-loaded biochar for phosphorus recovery: noteworthy roles of inherent minerals in precursor. Chemosphere 266, 128991 (2021).
Google Scholar
Zheng, M., Xie, T., Li, J., Xu, K. & Wang, C. Biochar as a carrier of struvite precipitation for nitrogen and phosphorus recovery from urine. Int. J. Environ. Eng. 144, 4018101 (2018).
Medeiros, D. C. C. d. S. et al. Pristine and engineered biochar for the removal of contaminants co-existing in several types of industrial wastewaters: a critical review. Sci. Total Environ. 809, 151120 (2021).
Google Scholar
Mohan, D., Sarswat, A., Ok, Y. S. & Pittman, C. U. Organic and inorganic contaminants removal from water with biochar, a renewable, low cost and sustainable adsorbent — a critical review. Bioresour. Technol. 160, 191–202 (2014).
Google Scholar
Ahmad, Z. et al. Removal of Cu(ii), Cd(ii) and Pb(ii) ions from aqueous solutions by biochars derived from potassium-rich biomass. J. Clean. Prod. 180, 437–449 (2018).
Google Scholar
Xu, Z., Xu, X., Zhang, Y., Yu, Y. & Cao, X. Pyrolysis-temperature depended electron donating and mediating mechanisms of biochar for Cr(vi) reduction. J. Hazard. Mater. 388, 121794 (2019).
Google Scholar
Heo, J. et al. Enhanced adsorption of bisphenol A and sulfamethoxazole by a novel magnetic CuZnFe2O4–biochar composite. Bioresour. Technol. 281, 179–187 (2019).
Google Scholar
Choudhary, M., Kumar, R. & Neogi, S. Activated biochar derived from Opuntia ficus-indica for the efficient adsorption of malachite green dye, Cu2+ and Ni2+ from water. J. Hazard. Mater. 392, 122441 (2020).
Google Scholar
Tao, Y. et al. Efficient removal of atrazine by iron-modified biochar loaded Acinetobacter lwoffii DNS32. Sci. Total. Environ. 682, 59–69 (2019).
Google Scholar
Xu, X. Y. et al. Removal of Cu, Zn, and Cd from aqueous solutions by the dairy manure-derived biochar. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 20, 358–368 (2013).
Google Scholar
Xu, Z., Xu, X., Tsang, D. C. W. & Cao, X. Contrasting impacts of pre- and post-application aging of biochar on the immobilization of Cd in contaminated soils. Environ. Pollut. 242, 1362–1370 (2018).
Google Scholar
Xu, X. Y., Cao, X. D. & Zhao, L. Comparison of rice husk- and dairy manure-derived biochars for simultaneously removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions: role of mineral components in biochars. Chemosphere 92, 955–961 (2013).
Google Scholar
Pei, L. et al. Further reuse of phosphorus-laden biochar for lead sorption from aqueous solution: isotherm, kinetics, and mechanism. Sci. Total. Environ. 792, 148550 (2021).
Google Scholar
Klüpfel, L., Keiluweit, M., Kleber, M. & Sander, M. Redox properties of plant biomass-derived black carbon (biochar). Environ. Sci. Technol. 48, 5601–5611 (2014). Reveals considerable redox reactivity on biochar due to its surface functionality.
Google Scholar
Xu, Z. et al. Direct and indirect electron transfer routes of chromium(vi) reduction with different crystalline ferric oxyhydroxides in the presence of pyrogenic carbon. Environ. Sci. Technol. 56, 1724–1735 (2022).
Google Scholar
Xu, Z. et al. Electroactive Fe-biochar for redox-related remediation of arsenic and chromium: distinct redox nature with varying iron/carbon speciation. J. Hazard. Mater. 430, 128479 (2022).
Google Scholar
Zhong, D. et al. pH dependence of arsenic oxidation by rice-husk-derived biochar: roles of redox-active moieties. Environ. Sci. Technol. 53, 9034–9044 (2019).
Google Scholar
Liu, J. et al. Highly efficient removal of thallium in wastewater by MnFe2O4–biochar composite. J. Hazard. Mater. 401, 123311 (2021).
Google Scholar
Ruan, X. et al. Formation, characteristics, and applications of environmentally persistent free radicals in biochars: a review. Bioresour. Technol. 281, 457–468 (2019).
Google Scholar
Liang, J. et al. Different mechanisms between biochar and activated carbon for the persulfate catalytic degradation of sulfamethoxazole: roles of radicals in solution or solid phase. Chem. Eng. J. 375, 121908 (2019).
Google Scholar
Sun, T. et al. Rapid electron transfer by the carbon matrix in natural pyrogenic carbon. Nat. Commun. 8, 14873 (2017). Emphasizes the importance of graphitic structures for the electron transfer capacity of high-temperature biochar.
Google Scholar
Wan, Z. et al. A sustainable biochar catalyst synergized with copper heteroatoms and CO2 for singlet oxygenation and electron transfer routes. Green Chem. 21, 4800–4814 (2019).
Google Scholar
Dou, J. et al. Biochar co-doped with nitrogen and boron switching the free radical based peroxydisulfate activation into the electron-transfer dominated nonradical process. Appl. Catal. B 301, 120832 (2022).
Google Scholar
Liu, W.-J., Jiang, H. & Yu, H.-Q. Emerging applications of biochar-based materials for energy storage and conversion. Energy Environ. Sci. 12, 1751–1779 (2019).
Google Scholar
Yao, F. et al. Synergistic adsorption and electrocatalytic reduction of bromate by Pd/N-doped loofah sponge-derived biochar electrode. J. Hazard. Mater. 386, 121651 (2020).
Google Scholar
Yao, F. et al. Effective adsorption/electrocatalytic degradation of perchlorate using Pd/Pt supported on N-doped activated carbon fiber cathode. J. Hazard. Mater. 323, 602–610 (2017).
Google Scholar
Zhao, Z. et al. Enhanced removal of Cu-EDTA in a three-dimensional electrolysis system with highly graphitic activated biochar produced via acidic and K2FeO4 treatment. Chem. Eng. J. 430, 132661 (2022).
Google Scholar
Zhang, T. et al. Ti–Sn–Ce/bamboo biochar particle electrodes for enhanced electrocatalytic treatment of coking wastewater in a three-dimensional electrochemical reaction system. J. Clean. Prod. 258, 120273 (2020).
Google Scholar
Sun, C. et al. Biochar cathode: reinforcing electro-Fenton pathway against four-electron reduction by controlled carbonization and surface chemistry. Sci. Total Environ. 754, 142136 (2021).
Google Scholar
Liu, W.-J., Jiang, H. & Yu, H.-Q. Development of biochar-based functional materials: toward a sustainable platform carbon material. Chem. Rev. 115, 12251–12285 (2015). Reviews how biochar-based functional materials can be used for various sustainable applications.
Google Scholar
Ng, Y. H., Ikeda, S., Matsumura, M. & Amal, R. A perspective on fabricating carbon-based nanomaterials by photocatalysis and their applications. Energy Environ. Sci. 5, 9307–9318 (2012).
Google Scholar
Wang, Z., Murugananthan, M. & Zhang, Y. Graphitic carbon nitride based photocatalysis for redox conversion of arsenic(iii) and chromium(vi) in acid aqueous solution. Appl. Catal. B 248, 349–356 (2019).
Google Scholar
Lisowski, P. et al. Dual functionality of TiO2/biochar hybrid materials: photocatalytic phenol degradation in the liquid phase and selective oxidation of methanol in the gas phase. ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng. 5, 6274–6287 (2017).
Google Scholar
Zhai, Y. et al. Novel biochar@CoFe2O4/Ag3PO4 photocatalysts for highly efficient degradation of bisphenol a under visible-light irradiation. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 560, 111–121 (2020).
Google Scholar
Tang, R. et al. π–π stacking derived from graphene-like biochar/g-C3N4 with tunable band structure for photocatalytic antibiotics degradation via peroxymonosulfate activation. J. Hazard. Mater. 423, 126944 (2022).
Google Scholar
Mian, M. M. & Liu, G. Recent progress in biochar-supported photocatalysts: synthesis, role of biochar, and applications. RSC Adv. 8, 14237–14248 (2018).
Google Scholar
Colmenares, J. C., Varma, R. S. & Lisowski, P. Sustainable hybrid photocatalysts: titania immobilized on carbon materials derived from renewable and biodegradable resources. Green. Chem. 18, 5736–5750 (2016).
Google Scholar
Shi, J. On the synergetic catalytic effect in heterogeneous nanocomposite catalysts. Chem. Rev. 113, 2139–2181 (2013).
Google Scholar
Wang, W., Serp, P., Kalck, P. & Faria, J. L. Visible light photodegradation of phenol on MWNT–TiO2 composite catalysts prepared by a modified sol–gel method. J. Mol. Catal. A Chem. 235, 194–199 (2005).
Google Scholar
Matos, J., Hofman, M. & Pietrzak, R. Synergy effect in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue on a suspended mixture of TiO2 and N-containing carbons. Carbon 54, 460–471 (2013).
Google Scholar
Wan, D. et al. Photogeneration of reactive species from biochar-derived dissolved black carbon for the degradation of amine and phenolic pollutants. Environ. Sci. Technol. 55, 8866–8876 (2021).
Google Scholar
Fu, H. et al. Photochemistry of dissolved black carbon released from biochar: reactive oxygen species generation and phototransformation. Environ. Sci. Technol. 50, 1218–1226 (2016).
Google Scholar
Yang, F. et al. Effects of biochar-dissolved organic matter on the photodegradation of sulfamethoxazole and chloramphenicol in biochar solutions as revealed by oxygen reduction performances and free radicals. Sci. Total. Environ. 781, 146807 (2021).
Google Scholar
Farhadi, S., Aminzadeh, B., Torabian, A., Khatibikamal, V. & Alizadeh Fard, M. Comparison of COD removal from pharmaceutical wastewater by electrocoagulation, photoelectrocoagulation, peroxi-electrocoagulation and peroxi-photoelectrocoagulation processes. J. Hazard. Mater. 219-220, 35–42 (2012).
Google Scholar
Zaied, B. K. et al. A comprehensive review on contaminants removal from pharmaceutical wastewater by electrocoagulation process. Sci. Total. Environ. 726, 138095 (2020).
Google Scholar
An, X. et al. Integrated co-pyrolysis and coating for the synthesis of a new coated biochar-based fertilizer with enhanced slow-release performance. J. Clean. Prod. 283, 124642 (2021).
Google Scholar
Krasucka, P. et al. Engineered biochar — a sustainable solution for the removal of antibiotics from water. Chem. Eng. J. 405, 126926 (2021).
Google Scholar
Zhang, Y. et al. Regulation of biochar mediated catalytic degradation of quinolone antibiotics: Important role of environmentally persistent free radicals. Bioresour. Technol. 326, 124780 (2021).
Google Scholar
Nidheesh, P. V. et al. Potential role of biochar in advanced oxidation processes: a sustainable approach. Chem. Eng. J. 405, 126582 (2021).
Google Scholar
Hynes, N. R. J. et al. Modern enabling techniques and adsorbents based dye removal with sustainability concerns in textile industrial sector -a comprehensive review. J. Clean. Prod. 272, 122636 (2020).
Google Scholar
Yu, K. L. et al. Adsorptive removal of cationic methylene blue and anionic Congo red dyes using wet-torrefied microalgal biochar: equilibrium, kinetic and mechanism modeling. Environ. Pollut. 272, 115986 (2021).
Google Scholar
Yu, F. et al. ZnO/biochar nanocomposites via solvent free ball milling for enhanced adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. J. Hazard. Mater. 415, 125511 (2021).
Google Scholar
Medha, I. et al. (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane and iron rice straw biochar composites for the sorption of Cr (vi) and Zn (ii) using the extract of heavy metals contaminated soil. Sci. Total. Environ. 771, 144764 (2021).
Google Scholar
Xu, Z. et al. Interaction with low molecular weight organic acids affects the electron shuttling of biochar for Cr(vi) reduction. J. Hazard. Mater. 378, 120705 (2019).
Google Scholar
Wang, T. et al. Novel Bi2WO6 loaded N-biochar composites with enhanced photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B and Cr(vi). J. Hazard. Mater. 389, 121827 (2020).
Google Scholar
Kicińska, A. & Wikar, J. Ecological risk associated with agricultural production in soils contaminated by the activities of the metal ore mining and processing industry — example from southern Poland. Soil Tillage Res. 205, 104817 (2021).
Google Scholar
Shi, J., Huang, W., Han, H. & Xu, C. Pollution control of wastewater from the coal chemical industry in China: environmental management policy and technical standards. Renew. Sust. Energ. Rev. 143, 110883 (2021).
Google Scholar
Xu, X. et al. Indispensable role of biochar-inherent mineral constituents in its environmental applications: a review. Bioresour. Technol. 241, 887–899 (2017). Highlights the indispensable role of biochar’s inorganic phase in environmental applications, including pollutant removal, carbon sequestration, and soil quality improvement.
Google Scholar
Xu, Z. et al. Unraveling iron speciation on Fe-biochar with distinct arsenic removal mechanisms and depth distributions of As and Fe. Chem. Eng. J. 425, 131489 (2021).
Google Scholar
Xu, Z. et al. Participation of soil active components in the reduction of Cr(vi) by biochar: differing effects of iron mineral alone and its combination with organic acid. J. Hazard. Mater. 384, 121455 (2020).
Google Scholar
Nguyen, T. T. N. et al. The effects of short term, long term and reapplication of biochar on soil bacteria. Sci. Total. Environ. 636, 142–151 (2018).
Google Scholar
Lau, A. Y. T. et al. Surface-modified biochar in a bioretention system for Escherichia coli removal from stormwater. Chemosphere 169, 89–98 (2017).
Google Scholar
Sun, Y. et al. Waste-derived compost and biochar amendments for stormwater treatment in bioretention column: co-transport of metals and colloids. J. Hazard. Mater. 383, 121243–121243 (2020). Shows the promising potential of biochar for stormwater harvesting in sustainable drainage systems.
Google Scholar
Lehmann, J. et al. Biochar effects on soil biota — a review. Soil. Biol. Biochem. 43, 1812–1836 (2011).
Google Scholar
Zhang, S., Lin, Z., Zhang, S. & Ge, D. Stormwater retention and detention performance of green roofs with different substrates: observational data and hydrological simulations. J. Environ. Manage 291, 112682 (2021).
Google Scholar
Tirpak, R. A. et al. Conventional and amended bioretention soil media for targeted pollutant treatment: a critical review to guide the state of the practice. Water Res. 189, 116648 (2021).
Google Scholar
Tian, J. et al. A pilot-scale, bi-layer bioretention system with biochar and zero-valent iron for enhanced nitrate removal from stormwater. Water Res. 148, 378–387 (2019).
Google Scholar
Marcińczyk, M. & Oleszczuk, P. Biochar and engineered biochar as slow- and controlled-release fertilizers. J. Clean. Prod. 339, 130685 (2022).
Google Scholar
Danish, A. et al. Reusing biochar as a filler or cement replacement material in cementitious composites: a review. Constr. Build. Mater. 300, 124295 (2021).
Google Scholar
Llovet, A. et al. Fresh biochar application provokes a reduction of nitrate which is unexplained by conventional mechanisms. Sci. Total. Environ. 755, 142430 (2021).
Google Scholar
Mohanty, S. K., Cantrell, K. B., Nelson, K. L. & Boehm, A. B. Efficacy of biochar to remove Escherichia coli from stormwater under steady and intermittent flow. Water Res. 61, 288–296 (2014).
Google Scholar
Valenca, R. et al. Biochar selection for Escherichia coli removal in stormwater biofilters. Int. J. Environ. Eng. 147, 1843 (2021).
Xu, Z., He, M., Xu, X., Cao, X. & Tsang, D. C. W. Impacts of different activation processes on the carbon stability of biochar for oxidation resistance. Bioresour. Technol. 338, 125555 (2021). Reveals how aggressive modification of biochar might lead to a decrease in carbon stability, which needs further consideration.
Google Scholar
Ulrich, B. A., Loehnert, M. & Higgins, C. P. Improved contaminant removal in vegetated stormwater biofilters amended with biochar. Environ. Sci. Water Res. Technol. 3, 726–734 (2017).
Google Scholar
Ashoori, N. et al. Evaluation of pilot-scale biochar-amended woodchip bioreactors to remove nitrate, metals, and trace organic contaminants from urban stormwater runoff. Water Res. 154, 1–11 (2019).
Google Scholar
Spokas, K. A. et al. Physical disintegration of biochar: an overlooked process. Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett. 1, 326–332 (2014).
Google Scholar
Wang, L. et al. Biochar aging: mechanisms, physicochemical changes, assessment, and implications for field applications. Environ. Sci. Technol. 54, 14797–14814 (2020). Highlights how ageing processes might have a strong impact on the long-term performance of biochar.
Google Scholar
Yang, X., Pan, H., Shaheen, S. M., Wang, H. & Rinklebe, J. Immobilization of cadmium and lead using phosphorus-rich animal-derived and iron-modified plant-derived biochars under dynamic redox conditions in a paddy soil. Environ. Int. 156, 106628 (2021).
Google Scholar
Beiyuan, J. et al. (Im)mobilization and speciation of lead under dynamic redox conditions in a contaminated soil amended with pine sawdust biochar. Environ. Int. 135, 105376 (2020).
Google Scholar
Beckers, F. et al. Impact of biochar on mobilization, methylation, and ethylation of mercury under dynamic redox conditions in a contaminated floodplain soil. Environ. Int. 127, 276–290 (2019).
Google Scholar
Tong, M., He, L., Rong, H., Li, M. & Kim, H. Transport behaviors of plastic particles in saturated quartz sand without and with biochar/Fe3O4-biochar amendment. Water Res. 169, 115284 (2020).
Google Scholar
Chen, M. et al. Facilitated transport of cadmium by biochar–Fe3O4 nanocomposites in water-saturated natural soils. Sci. Total. Environ. 684, 265–275 (2019).
Google Scholar
Song, B., Chen, M., Zhao, L., Qiu, H. & Cao, X. Physicochemical property and colloidal stability of micron- and nano-particle biochar derived from a variety of feedstock sources. Sci. Total Environ. 661, 685–695 (2019).
Google Scholar
Gui, X. et al. Soil colloids affect the aggregation and stability of biochar colloids. Sci. Total Environ. 771, 145414 (2021).
Google Scholar
Negative Emission Technologies: What Role in Meeting Paris Agreement Targets? (European Academies’ Science Advisory Council, 2018).
Hu, Q. et al. Biochar industry to circular economy. Sci. Total. Environ. 757, 143820 (2021).
Google Scholar
Maroušek, J. Significant breakthrough in biochar cost reduction. Clean. Technol. Environ. Policy 16, 1821–1825 (2014).
Google Scholar
Pourhashem, G., Hung, S. Y., Medlock, K. B. & Masiello, C. A. Policy support for biochar: review and recommendations. Glob. Change Biol. Bioenergy 11, 364–380 (2019).
Google Scholar
State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2020 (World Bank Group, 2020).
Standardized Product Definition and Product Testing Guidelines for Biochar that is used in Soil Version 2.1 (International Biochar Initiative (IBI), 2015).
European Biochar Certificate — Guidelines for a Sustainable Production of Biochar Version 9.3E of 11 April 2021. (European Biochar Foundation, 2012).
Shackley, S., Ibarrola Esteinou, R., Hopkins, D. & Hammond, J. Biochar Quality Mandate (BQM) Version 1.0 (British Biochar Foundation, 2014).
Meyer, S. et al. Biochar standardization and legislation harmonization. Int. J. Environ. Eng. Landsc. Manage 25, 175–191 (2017).
Google Scholar
Azzi, E. S., Karltun, E. & Sundberg, C. Prospective life cycle assessment of large-scale biochar production and use for negative emissions in Stockholm. Environ. Sci. Technol. 53, 8466–8476 (2019).
Google Scholar
ESG Investing: Environmental Pillar Scoring and Reporting (OECD, 2020).
Maroušek, J., Strunecký, O. & Stehel, V. Biochar farming: defining economically perspective applications. Clean. Technol. Environ. Policy 21, 1389–1395 (2019).
Google Scholar
Maroušek, J., Hašková, S., Zeman, R. & Vaníčková, R. Managerial preferences in relation to financial indicators regarding the mitigation of global change. Sci. Eng. Ethics 21, 203–207 (2014).
Google Scholar
Mašek, O., Buss, W. & Sohi, S. Standard biochar materials. Environ. Sci. Technol. 52, 9543–9544 (2018).
Google Scholar
Zhu, X. et al. Machine learning exploration of the direct and indirect roles of Fe impregnation on Cr(vi) removal by engineered biochar. Chem. Eng. J. 428, 131967 (2022).
Google Scholar
Palansooriya, K. N. et al. Prediction of soil heavy metal immobilization by biochar using machine learning. Environ. Sci. Technol. 56, 4187–4198 (2022).
Google Scholar
Marris, E. Black is the new green. Nature 442, 624–626 (2006).
Google Scholar
Lehmann, J. A handful of carbon. Nature 447, 143–144 (2007).
Google Scholar
Woods, W. I., Falcao, N. P. S. & Teixeira, W. G. Biochar trials aim to enrich soil for smallholders. Nature 443, 144–144 (2006).
Google Scholar
Chan, K. Y., Van Zwieten, L., Meszaros, I., Downie, A. & Joseph, S. Agronomic values of greenwaste biochar as a soil amendment. Aust. J. Soil. Res. 45, 629–634 (2007).
Google Scholar
Chan, K. Y., Van Zwieten, L., Meszaros, I., Downie, A. & Joseph, S. Using poultry litter biochars as soil amendments. Aust. J. Soil. Res. 46, 437–444 (2008).
Google Scholar
Sanchez, M. E., Lindao, E., Margaleff, D., Martinez, O. & Moran, A. Bio-fuels and bio-char production from pyrolysis of sewage sludge. Residuals Sci. Technol. 6, 35–41 (2009).
Cao, X. D., Ma, L. N., Gao, B. & Harris, W. Dairy-manure derived biochar effectively sorbs lead and atrazine. Environ. Sci. Technol. 43, 3285–3291 (2009).
Google Scholar
Warren, G. P., Robinson, J. S. & Someus, E. Dissolution of phosphorus from animal bone char in 12 soils. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst. 84, 167–178 (2009).
Google Scholar
Yu, X. Y., Ying, G. G. & Kookana, R. S. Reduced plant uptake of pesticides with biochar additions to soil. Chemosphere 76, 665–671 (2009).
Google Scholar
Shen, Y. W., Linville, J. L., Urgun-Demirtas, M., Schoene, R. P. & Snyder, S. W. Producing pipeline-quality biomethane via anaerobic digestion of sludge amended with corn stover biochar with in-situ CO2 removal. Appl. Energy 158, 300–309 (2015).
Google Scholar
Ulrich, B. A., Im, E. A., Werner, D. & Higgins, C. P. Biochar and activated carbon for enhanced trace organic contaminant retention in stormwater infiltration systems. Environ. Sci. Technol. 49, 6222–6230 (2015).
Google Scholar
Fang, G., Liu, C., Gao, J., Dionysiou, D. D. & Zhou, D. Manipulation of persistent free radicals in biochar to activate persulfate for contaminant degradation. Environ. Sci. Technol. 49, 5645–5653 (2015).
Google Scholar
Yu, L. P., Yuan, Y., Tang, J., Wang, Y. Q. & Zhou, S. G. Biochar as an electron shuttle for reductive dechlorination of pentachlorophenol by Geobacter sulfurreducens. Sci. Rep. 5, 16221 (2015).
Google Scholar
Li, M. et al. Simultaneously promoting charge separation and photoabsorption of BiOX (X = Cl, Br) for efficient visible-light photocatalysis and photosensitization by compositing low-cost biochar. Appl. Surf. Sci. 386, 285–295 (2016).
Google Scholar
Maurer, D. L., Koziel, J. A., Kalus, K., Andersen, D. S. & Opalinski, S. Pilot-scale testing of non-activated biochar for swine manure treatment and mitigation of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainability 9, 929 (2017).
Google Scholar
Ayyappan, C. S., Bhalambaal, V. M. & Kumar, S. Effect of biochar on bio-electrochemical dye degradation and energy production. Bioresour. Technol. 251, 165–170 (2018).
Google Scholar
Chen, B. L., Chen, Z. M. & Lv, S. F. A novel magnetic biochar efficiently sorbs organic pollutants and phosphate. Bioresour. Technol. 102, 716–723 (2011).
Google Scholar
Nzediegwu, C., Naeth, M. A. & Chang, S. X. Feedstock type drives surface property, demineralization and element leaching of nitric acid-activated biochars more than pyrolysis temperature. Bioresour. Technol. 344, 126316 (2021).
Google Scholar
Li, B. et al. Adsorption of Cd(ii) from aqueous solutions by rape straw biochar derived from different modification processes. Chemosphere 175, 332–340 (2017).
Google Scholar
Yu, Y. et al. Synergistic role of bulk carbon and iron minerals inherent in the sludge-derived biochar for As(v) immobilization. Chem. Eng. J. 417, 129183 (2021).
Google Scholar
Sanford, J. R., Larson, R. A. & Runge, T. Nitrate sorption to biochar following chemical oxidation. Sci. Total. Environ. 669, 938–947 (2019).
Google Scholar
Sizmur, T., Fresno, T., Akgül, G., Frost, H. & Moreno-Jiménez, E. Biochar modification to enhance sorption of inorganics from water. Bioresour. Technol. 246, 34–47 (2017).
Google Scholar
Zhao, L. et al. Copyrolysis of biomass with phosphate fertilizers to improve biochar carbon retention, slow nutrient release, and stabilize heavy metals in soil. ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng. 4, 1630–1636 (2016).
Google Scholar
Cuong, D. V., Wu, P.-C., Chen, L.-I. & Hou, C.-H. Active MnO2/biochar composite for efficient As(iii) removal: insight into the mechanisms of redox transformation and adsorption. Water Res. 188, 116495 (2021).
Google Scholar
Liang, J. et al. Persulfate oxidation of sulfamethoxazole by magnetic iron-char composites via nonradical pathways: Fe(iv) versus surface-mediated electron transfer. Environ. Sci. Technol. 55, 10077–10086 (2021).
Google Scholar
Liu, L.-L. et al. Edge electronic vacancy on ultrathin carbon nitride nanosheets anchoring O2 to boost H2O2 photoproduction. Appl. Catal. B 302, 120845 (2022).
Google Scholar
Zhou, Y. et al. Sulfur and nitrogen self-doped carbon nanosheets derived from peanut root nodules as high-efficiency non-metal electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction. Nano Energy 16, 357–366 (2015).
Google Scholar
Zhang, Z. et al. A novel biochar electrode for efficient electroreduction of nitrate: selective and regulation of halogen. Chemosphere 288, 132400 (2022).
Google Scholar
Chen, P. et al. Nitrogen-doped nanoporous carbon nanosheets derived from plant biomass: an efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction. Energy Environ. Sci. 7, 4095–4103 (2014).
Google Scholar
Hagemann, N. et al. Organic coating on biochar explains its nutrient retention and stimulation of soil fertility. Nat. Commun. 8, 1089 (2017).
Google Scholar
Farid, I. M. et al. Co-composted biochar derived from rice straw and sugarcane bagasse improved soil properties, carbon balance, and zucchini growth in a sandy soil: a trial for enhancing the health of low fertile arid soils. Chemosphere 292, 133389 (2022).
Google Scholar
Antonangelo, J. A., Sun, X. & Zhang, H. The roles of co-composted biochar (COMBI) in improving soil quality, crop productivity, and toxic metal amelioration. J. Environ. Manage. 277, 111443 (2021).
Google Scholar
Wang, Y., Xiao, X., Xu, Y. & Chen, B. Environmental effects of silicon within biochar (Sichar) and carbon–silicon coupling mechanisms: a critical review. Environ. Sci. Technol. 53, 13570–13582 (2019).
Google Scholar
Liang, J. et al. High oxygen reduction reaction performance nitrogen-doped biochar cathode: a strategy for comprehensive utilizing nitrogen and carbon in water hyacinth. Bioresour. Technol. 267, 524–531 (2018).
Google Scholar
Parsa, M., Nourani, M., Baghdadi, M., Hosseinzadeh, M. & Pejman, M. Biochars derived from marine macroalgae as a mesoporous by-product of hydrothermal liquefaction process: characterization and application in wastewater treatment. J. Water Process. Eng. 32, 100942 (2019).
Google Scholar
Zhao, L., Cao, X., Mašek, O. & Zimmerman, A. Heterogeneity of biochar properties as a function of feedstock sources and production temperatures. J. Hazard. Mater. 256–257, 1–9 (2013).
Xiao, X., Chen, B. & Zhu, L. Transformation, morphology, and dissolution of silicon and carbon in rice straw-derived biochars under different pyrolytic temperatures. Environ. Sci. Technol. 48, 3411–3419 (2014).
Google Scholar
Qiu, Y. et al. Contribution of different iron species in the iron–biochar composites to sorption and degradation of two dyes with varying properties. Chem. Eng. J. 389, 124471 (2020).
Google Scholar
Liu, X. N., Shen, F., Smith, R. L. & Qi, X. H. Black liquor-derived calcium-activated biochar for recovery of phosphate from aqueous solutions. Bioresour. Technol. 294, 122198 (2019).
Google Scholar
Luo, J., Yi, Y., Ying, G., Fang, Z. & Zhang, Y. Activation of persulfate for highly efficient degradation of metronidazole using Fe(ii)-rich potassium doped magnetic biochar. Sci. Total Environ. 819, 152089 (2022).
Google Scholar
Nan, H. et al. Pyrolysis temperature-dependent carbon retention and stability of biochar with participation of calcium: implications to carbon sequestration. Environ. Pollut. 287, 117566 (2021).
Google Scholar
Source: Resources - nature.com