0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Food & Water Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Remediation Sign in to save

Biochar-based adsorption technologies for microplastic remediation in aquatic ecosystems

AIP Advances 2025 7 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 63 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Mahmoud M. Selim, Abdelouahed Tounsi, Hassanien Gomaa, Mohamed A. Shenashen

Summary

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.

Since microplastic (MP) particles pose serious dangers to human and environmental health by infiltrating aquatic habitats, soils, and even the food chain, MP contamination has emerged as a major environmental problem. Developing and implementing efficient sorption techniques is essential to lessening the effects of MP pollution, which is becoming more and more common. Innovative solutions are required since traditional removal techniques frequently struggle to effectively capture MPs, especially smaller particles. An overview of the origins and processes of MP contamination, possible health effects, and difficulties in identifying them in biological systems is given in this article. One efficient and adaptable method for eliminating MPs from aquatic environments is adsorption technology. Because of its large surface area, complex porosity, and strong stability, biochar has become a viable option among sorbents. Systems based on biochar provide an economical and sustainable way to reduce MP pollution, which makes them an important area for further study. The potential of biochar in environmental rehabilitation is highlighted in this review, which also argues for its wider incorporation into environmental management procedures. The review affirms the serious danger that MPs represent to ecosystems and living organisms, but it also points out that there are still gaps in our understanding of their consequences. Despite its presentation as a cost-effective and promising adsorbent, further work is required to maximize its removal efficiency, optimize its use, and incorporate it into industrial-scale operations. To properly handle the escalating problem of MP contamination, these developments are crucial.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Adsorption of Pollutants from Wastewater by Biochar: A Review

This review examines how biochar, a carbon-rich material made from organic waste, can be used to remove pollutants including microplastics, heavy metals, and organic chemicals from wastewater. Biochar works by adsorbing contaminants onto its surface, and its effectiveness can be improved through chemical modifications. The technology offers a low-cost, sustainable approach to water treatment that could help reduce microplastic contamination in water supplies.

Article Tier 2

Trends in the applications of biochar for the abatement of microplastics in water

This review examines how biochar can be used to remove microplastics and nanoplastics from water, summarizing recent advances in biochar modification strategies that improve adsorption capacity and minimize secondary pollution risks.

Article Tier 2

Interactions Between Biochar and Nano(Micro)Plastics in the Remediation of Aqueous Media

This review examines how biochar, a charcoal-like material made from organic waste, can be used to remove micro and nanoplastics from contaminated water. Biochar is an affordable and sustainable option that absorbs plastic particles, though the technology is still in early stages. Better water purification methods like this could help reduce the amount of microplastics that end up in drinking water and the human body.

Article Tier 2

Synthesis Methods, Properties, and Modifications of Biochar-Based Materials for Wastewater Treatment: A Review

This review covers biochar-based materials made from agricultural waste and their use in treating contaminated water, including their ability to remove heavy metals, organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants. While not specifically about microplastics, biochar's adsorption properties make it a promising tool for removing microplastics and the chemicals they carry from water. Low-cost water treatment materials like biochar could help reduce human exposure to microplastics, especially in communities that lack advanced treatment infrastructure.

Article Tier 2

Addressing the Microplastic Dilemma in Soil and Sediment with Focus on Biochar-Based Remediation Techniques: Review

This review examines how biochar, a carbon-rich material made from organic waste, can be used to remediate microplastic-contaminated soils and sediments. Researchers found that biochar can adsorb microplastics and reduce their mobility, while also improving overall soil health and microbial activity. The study highlights biochar-based approaches as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategy for addressing microplastic pollution in terrestrial environments.

Share this paper