Biochar-based composites for remediation of polluted wastewater and soil environments : Challenges and prospects

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Eliasu Issaka
  • Funmilayo Omotoyosi Fapohunda
  • Jesse Nii Okai Amu-Darko
  • Linda Yeboah
  • Salome Yakubu
  • Nisar Ali
  • Muhammad Bilal

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article number134163
Journal / PublicationChemosphere
Volume297
Online published28 Feb 2022
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2022
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

Pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, pesticides, and dyes are the main environmental contaminants that have serious effects on both land and aquatic lives and necessitate the development of effective methods to mitigate these issues. Although some conventional methods are in use to tackle soil contamination, but biochar and biochar-based composites represent a reliable and sustainable means to deal with a spectrum of toxic organic and inorganic pollutants from contaminated environments. The capacity of biochars and derived constructs to remediate inorganic dyes, pesticides, insecticides, heavy metals, and pharmaceuticals from environmental matrices is attributed to their extensive surface area, surface functional groups, pore size distribution, and high sorption capability of these pollutants in water and soil environments. Application conditions, biochar feedstock, pyrolysis conditions and precursor materials are the factors that influence the capacity and functionality of biochar to adsorb pollutants from wastewater and soil. These factors, when improved, can benefit biochar in agrochemical and heavy metal remediation from various environments. However, the processes involved in biochar production and their influence in enhancing pollutant sequestration remain unclear. Therefore, this paper throws light on the current strategies, operational conditions, and sequestration performance of biochar and biochar-based composites for agrochemical and heavy metal in soil and water environments. The main challenges associated with biochar preparation and exploitation, toxicity evaluation, research directions and future prospects for biochar in environmental remediation are also outlined. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd.

Research Area(s)

  • Agrochemicals, Biochar, Environmental pollutants, Heavy metals, Operation parameters, Pyrolysis, Toxic implications, Wastewater remediation

Citation Format(s)

Biochar-based composites for remediation of polluted wastewater and soil environments: Challenges and prospects. / Issaka, Eliasu; Fapohunda, Funmilayo Omotoyosi; Amu-Darko, Jesse Nii Okai et al.
In: Chemosphere, Vol. 297, 134163, 06.2022.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review