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Engineered biochar as a powerful tool for microplastics removal from wastewater: a critical review
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Microplastics, tiny plastic particles that can end up in our water and food, are hard to filter out of wastewater, which is a growing concern for both the environment and human health. This review pulls together existing research showing that "engineered biochar" (charcoal-like material made from cheap, natural sources and specially treated to trap more pollutants) works much better than plain charcoal at soaking up microplastics from water. While more research is needed, this suggests an affordable, eco-friendly way to help keep microplastics out of our water supply before they reach us.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in aquatic environment is considered as a critical environmental issue because of widespread and increasing use of plastics worldwide. Hence, engineered biochar known for its superior surface characteristics, enhanced surface area, greater porous structure and versatility has appeared as a sustainable and potential material for effective MPs removal from wastewater. To date, engineered biochar for MPs removal has received limited attention in reviews. Therefore, this article systematically summarizes the biochar production from low-cost and nature-friendly materials and potential modification methods to develop engineered biochars with improved performance for MPs adsorption from wastewater. Engineered biochar shows significantly higher adsorption compared to raw or pristine biochar. In this review, we critically examine emerging and novel biochar modification methods-including treatment with acid/bases, oxidizing agents, metallic oxides, non-metal compounds, clay minerals and nanomaterials which are typically applied for enhanced MPs removal from wastewater. Moreover, the discussion provides insights into the MPs removal mechanisms and the environmental factors that impact the adsorption performance of engineered biochar. We also discuss the costs of producing biochar and regeneration methods to restore its effectiveness thus revealing its viability and economic feasibility. It is anticipated that this critical review will provide comprehensive scientific breakthroughs for resolving the hot issue of MPs contamination in wastewater by proving engineered biochar application as an economical and nature-friendly solution. At the end, review outlines the present scientific knowledge, research gaps, and recommendations needed to advance technologies for mitigating MPs pollution from wastewater using engineered biochar.
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Engineered biochar for microplastic remediation in aquatic environments: Interfacial mechanisms, modification strategies, and future perspectives
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Tiny plastic particles are showing up everywhere in our water, and current treatment plants can only filter out 40-78% of them, meaning the rest ends up in our environment and potentially our bodies. This review paper highlights biochar—a charcoal-like material made from plant waste—as a cheap, eco-friendly filter that can be specially engineered to capture up to 99% of microplastics from water. While promising, scientists still need to standardize these methods and test them at larger scales before this becomes a widespread solution for cleaner drinking water.
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This review explores how biochar, a charcoal-like material made from organic waste, can be used to filter microplastics and nanoplastics out of water. Researchers found that biochar works through several mechanisms and becomes even more effective when combined with other water treatment technologies. The study suggests biochar-based approaches could be a practical, low-cost strategy for tackling plastic pollution in water systems.
Pristine and modified biochar comparison for environmental micro(nano)plastic removal: adsorption dynamics, influencing factors, mechanisms, and regeneration potential
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Tiny plastic particles called micro(nano)plastics are turning up in our water and soil, and scientists are studying charcoal-like material called biochar as a cheap, eco-friendly way to filter them out. This review of existing research found that "modified" biochar (treated with chemicals or heat to boost its plastic-trapping power) works significantly better than plain biochar at soaking up these particles. While this technology isn't yet ready for large-scale use, it's a promising step toward cleaning up the tiny plastics that end up in our drinking water and food supply, which is important since these particles have raised concerns about potential health risks.
Recent advancement in microplastic removal process from wastewater - A critical review
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This review of over 250 studies examines physical, chemical, and biological methods for removing microplastics from wastewater, finding that biochar filtration is among the most effective approaches. Effective removal of microplastics from water is important because these particles can accumulate in the food chain and pose risks to human health.
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This review examines the use of biochar, a carbon-rich material made from organic waste, as a tool for removing microplastics from water. Biochar can effectively adsorb microplastic particles due to its porous structure and surface chemistry, and it can be produced cheaply from agricultural waste. The technology shows promise as an affordable and sustainable approach to reducing microplastic contamination in waterways, though challenges remain in scaling it up for real-world water treatment.
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