Novel magnetic loofah sponge biochar enhancing microbial responses for the remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-contaminated sediment

Magnetic activated carbon and magnetic biochar have been widely used for contaminants removal due to the advantages of sequestration and recovery. However, the remediation function and microbial response of conductive magnetic carbonaceous materials for treating organic contaminated sediment are poorly understood. In this study we applied novel three-dimensional mesh magnetic loofah sponge biochar (MagLsBC), made from natural agricultural product, to remediate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-contaminated sediment. Compared to other carbon-based materials, MagLsBC achieved the high reduction of PAHs content and bioavailability in sediment by respectively 31.9 % and 38.1 % after 350 days. Microbial analysis showed that MagLsBC amended sediment had different community diversity, structure and enriched dominant species associated with the aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism. And MagLsBC amendment significantly increased the aromatic compounds degradation function, which was not observed in other treatments, and methanogenesis function. Further analysis revealed that the enhanced microbial responses in MagLsBC amended sediment were related with the high conductivity of MagLsBC. These results give the new insights into the effect of magnetic carbon materials on microbial community and organic pollutants degradation function during the long period amendment, demonstrating MagLsBC as an effective material with the biostimulation potential for the risk control of PAHs contamination.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated that the novel three-dimensional mesh magnetic loofah sponge biochar (MagLsBC) is effective in remediating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-contaminated sediment by reducing PAHs content and bioavailability, as well as enhancing microbial degradation function.