Biochar to Enhance Environmental Remediation in Composting

Composting is a biological process widely accepted as a waste management technology to treat a wide range of biodegradable organic wastes. During the process, organic materials are decomposed by the action of aerobic microorganisms. As a microbial process, it is affected by those variables promoting or inhibiting microbial growth. The application of biochar to composting processes has attracted the attention of the scientific community because of its relevant properties, such as its porous structure and large surface area, that can be beneficial for the process. This chapter presents the main impacts and environmental benefits of biochar on the performance of composting and vermicomposting, in terms of enhancing the aeration and gas exchange diffusion in the composting pile. Particular attention is paid to the role of biochar in enhancing the remediation potential of composting in terms of the passivation of heavy metals and degradation of organic pollutants, such as antibiotics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy oils, microplastics, and organophosphate esters.