Biochar application strategies for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons removal from soils

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known as a hazardous group of pollutants in the soil which causes many challenges to the environment. In this study, the potential of biochar (BC), as a carbonaceous material, is evaluated for the immobilization of PAHs in soils. For this purpose, various bonding mechanisms of BC and PAHs, and the strength of bonds are firstly described. Also, the effect of impressive criteria including BC phys-icochemical properties (such as surface area, porosity, particle size, polarity, aromaticity, functional group, etc., which are mostly the function of pyrolysis temperature), number of rings in PAHs, incubation time, and soil properties, on the extent and rate of PAHs immobilization by BC are explained. Then, the utilization of BC in collaboration with biological tools which simplifies further dissipation of PAHs in the soil is described consid-ering detailed interactions among BC, microbes, and plants in the soil matrix. The co-effect of BC and biological remediation has been authenticated by previous studies. Moreover, recent technologies and challenges related to the application of BC in soil remediation are explained. The implementation of a combined BC-biological remediation method would provide excellent prospects for PAHs-contaminated soils.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the potential of biochar for immobilizing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil. The bonding mechanisms and strength of bonds between biochar and PAHs are described, along with various factors that influence the extent and rate of PAHs immobilization. The study also discusses the interaction between biochar, microbes, and plants in soil, and the potential of combining biochar with biological tools for further remediation of PAHs. The recent technologies and challenges related to the application of biochar in soil remediation are explained.