Paracetamol degradation pathways in soil after biochar addition*

Little is known about the effect of biochar on the degradation of paracetamol in soil, considering the ubiquity of this pollutant in the environment. Given the importance of the electrochemical properties of biochar for contaminant remediation, we investigated the influence of raw and designer redox-active biochars on paracetamol degradation in soil. Metabolite quantification indicated that a minimum of 53% of the spiked paracetamol was transformed in biochar-amended soil, resulting in the accumulation of different degradation products. The identification of these products allowed us to chart paracetamol degradation pathways in soil with and without biochar amendment. Some of the major degradation routes were observed to proceed via catechol and phenol, despite being previously described as having only a minor role in paracetamol metabolism. Additionally, a new transformation route from paracetamol to NAPQI was discovered in anaerobic soil originating from direct redox reactions on the surface of the designer biochars. These results may contribute to change our understanding of the environmental fate of paracetamol in soil and the role of biochar in its biodegradation.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of biochar on the degradation of paracetamol in soil, revealing a minimum of 53% transformation of the spiked paracetamol in biochar-amended soil. The identification of different degradation products and pathways highlighted the importance of biochar's electrochemical properties for contaminant remediation.