Iron-functionalized biochar and manure compost mitigate polyethylene microplastic toxicity in soil via enhanced performance of Solidago canadensis

Biochar as a Soil Amendment Alleviates Microplastic-induced Nitrogen Inhibition in Ryegrass: Threshold Effects Revealed by 15N Tracing

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Using 15N isotope tracing, researchers showed that biochar amendments at 0.5% and 2% concentrations can counteract PVC microplastic-induced inhibition of nitrogen cycling in soil-ryegrass systems, improving nitrogen utilization efficiency by up to 37.56% depending on contamination level. Biochar emerges as a practical soil remediation tool for agricultural lands where microplastic pollution is compromising crop productivity and soil health.

Biochar as a Potential Tool for Addressing Microplastic Pollution: A Review

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Researchers review biochar as a tool for adsorbing and immobilizing microplastics from environmental media, finding it significantly increases microplastic removal capacity, while cautioning that biochar can leach toxic compounds including PAHs and heavy metals, and calling for long-term studies and careful management before widespread application.

A critical evaluation of nanoparticles and biochar in microplastics remediation in soil

Biochar and microplastics interactively modulate morpho-physiology and growth of maize under soil drying-rewetting cycles

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A factorial microcosm experiment found that polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics interacted with biochar soil amendments to alter maize water-use efficiency, leaf physiology, and root architecture, with effects varying by biochar pyrolysis temperature, microplastic polymer type, and irrigation regime. The findings caution that microplastic contamination can undermine the intended benefits of biochar as a soil amendment, with implications for agricultural productivity in microplastic-polluted soils.