Looking into Biochar as a Bioremediation Agent

Rapid urbanization and population growth means more spaces are taken up to accommodate people’s increasing needs. In many cases worldwide, insufficient planning has led to several issues, including soil degradation, which threatens food security and water supply. In this light, research has shown the potential of biochar as a bioremediation material that can improve environmental quality.

What Is Biochar?

Biochar is a carbon-rich material, with texture and appearance similar to charcoal granules.  It is formed through pyrolysis, a process of burning biomass in a low-oxygen condition at temperatures between 300–900 °C. One of biochar’s primary advantages is that the material can be produced from waste, which means that it can be quite affordable and promote circularity through industrial symbiosis.

Still, the pyrolysis process itself requires dedicated equipment and systems. But with appropriate methods and equipment, pyrolysis has the potential to reduce gas emissions compared to waste incineration. Research further shows that the process meets carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for waste incinerators.

Bioremediation Agent & Its Variations

With its porous structure, high cation exchange capacity, and high capability of retaining nutrients, biochar can significantly enhance soil fertility along with its water-holding capacity and microbial activity. The multifunctionality of biochar means it can be implemented in many environmental remediation cases.

For instance, biochar can enhance soil health by improving soil textures so that it can retain more water. It also helps soil’s ability to maintain pH balance and reduces acidity. Furthermore, studies found that biochar’s   soil remediation functions of filtering toxins, heavy metals, and bacterias from the environment can also help water decontamination processes.

The effectiveness of biochar is influenced by several factors, such as raw material types, pyrolysis conditions, soil types, and environmental conditions. For instance, research shows that biochar made from wood with high-temperature pyrolysis is suitable for carbon sequestration but inefficient for crop productivity. Conversely, low-temperature biochars from animal waste can increase crop productivity even in nutrient-poor soils. For improving soil contaminated with heavy metals, manure-derived biochars with low-temperature pyrolysis were more efficient than biochar derived from plant-residue.

It is important to note that inappropriate application of biochar can inhibit plant growth and inflict harm to human health, especially if the ash residue gets carried into the soil during biochar application.

Safeguarding Human and Environmental Wellbeing

Remediating soil, water, and our natural environment is fundamental to safeguard human and environmental wellbeing. With proper and responsible application, biochar offers substantial benefits as a bioremediation agent.  Further research and innovations are required to assess the implementation of biochar and other methods of bioremediation for large-scale implementation. At the same time, actions to halt pollution and conserve our environment must also go hand-in-hand to create a meaningful progress for a better future for all.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma & Kresentia Madina

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