Designer Biochar Assisted Bioremediation of Industrial Effluents: A Low-Cost Sustainable Green Technology

Biochar is a charcoal-like substance that is produced by heating organic matter, such as wood, agricultural waste, or waste biomass, in a low-oxygen environment. It has numerous benefits, such as pollution control, environment protection, dye decolorization, and degradation of agricultural waste. Biochar can also be used for reuse of wastewater and contaminated soil, eco-restoration, and environment protection.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Here is the rephrased text:

Biochar: A Versatile Carbon-Based Material
Biochar, a carbon-based material, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its numerous applications in pollution control, environment protection, agricultural waste management, dye decolorization, and degradation. This comprehensive review explores the production, properties, and potential synergistic approaches of biochar for contaminants removal, providing valuable insights into its basic and advanced biotechnological applications.

Production of Biochar
Biochar production involves the thermal conversion of organic materials, such as agricultural waste, waste biomass, or municipal solid waste, into carbon-rich solid materials. The process typically involves controlled heating, often in the absence of oxygen, to optimize carbonization and reduce the release of harmful gases. The resulting biochar can vary in its composition, depending on the feedstock used, the temperature, and the conversion conditions.

Properties of Biochar
Biochar possesses several unique properties that make it highly effective in various applications. Firstly, it has a high carbon content, typically ranging from 50% to 90% by weight, which contributes to its ability to adsorb and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This carbon sequestration property makes biochar an important tool in mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Secondly, biochar has a highly porous structure, which allows it to hold large amounts of water and nutrients. This makes it an excellent soil amendment, improving soil fertility, water retention, and soil structure. Biochar can also enhance the microbial activity in the soil, promoting the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients.

Thirdly, biochar has a strong adsorption capacity for pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds. Its high surface area and chemical properties make it an effective sorbent for removing contaminants from water and soil. This property makes biochar useful in wastewater treatment, contaminated soil remediation, and industrial waste management.

Applications of Biochar in Pollution Control and Environment Protection
Biochar has numerous applications in pollution control and environment protection. One of the most significant applications is in wastewater treatment. Biochar can be added to wastewater treatment systems to enhance the removal of pollutants. Its high carbon content and porous structure make it an effective adsorbent for removing organic compounds, heavy metals, and pathogens. Biochar can also improve the stability of the treated wastewater, making it easier to dispose of or reuse.

In addition to wastewater treatment, biochar can be used in contaminated soil remediation. Biochar can be added to contaminated soil to enhance its ability to adsorb and immobilize pollutants. Its high carbon content and porous structure make it an effective sorbent for removing contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Biochar can also improve the soil's physical and chemical properties, making it more conducive to plant growth and reducing the risk of soil erosion.

Another application of biochar is in the management of agricultural waste. Biochar can be used to convert agricultural waste into a valuable resource. It can be added to soil to improve its fertility, water retention, and soil structure. Biochar can also enhance the microbial activity in the soil, promoting the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can have negative environmental impacts.

Dye Decolorization and Degradation
Biochar can also be used for dye decolorization and degradation. Dye-containing wastewater is a significant source of pollution in many industries, including the textile industry. Biochar can be added to dye-containing wastewater to enhance its removal of color and contaminants. Its high carbon content and porous structure make it an effective adsorbent for removing dyes and other organic compounds. Biochar can also improve the biodegradability of the treated wastewater, making it easier to dispose of or reuse.

Synergistic Approaches for Contaminants Removal
In addition to its individual applications, biochar can be used in synergistic approaches for contaminants removal. One such approach is the use of biochar combined with other remediation techniques, such as phytoremediation or soil washing. Phytoremediation involves the use of plants to remove contaminants from soil or water. Biochar can be added to the soil to enhance the growth of phytoremediating plants and improve their ability to remove contaminants. Soil washing involves the use of water to remove contaminants from soil. Biochar can be added to the water to enhance its ability to adsorb and remove contaminants.

Eco-Restoration and Environment Protection
Biochar treatment can also be successfully applied for reuse of wastewater and contaminated soil. Biochar can be added to wastewater to enhance its treatment and reduce the amount of pollutants released into the environment. Its high carbon content and porous structure make it an effective adsorbent for removing organic compounds, heavy metals, and pathogens. Biochar can also improve the stability of the treated wastewater, making it easier to dispose of or reuse.

In conclusion, biochar is a versatile carbon-based material with numerous applications in pollution control, environment protection, agricultural waste management, dye decolorization, and degradation. Its production, properties, and potential synergistic approaches for contaminants removal provide valuable insights into its basic and advanced biotechnological applications. As we continue to face environmental challenges, the use of biochar as a sustainable solution for pollution control and environmental protection is likely to increase.

Weight: 757g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032066943