The effects of biochar and its applications in the microbial remediation of contaminated soil: A review

The amendment of biochar for soil bioremediation can improve soil conditions, influence soil microbial community, and achieve co-application of biochar-microbe to promote the removal of pollutants. This paper summarizes the positive effects of biochar on microorganisms, including acting as a shelter, providing nutrients, and improving soil conditions (soil aggregation, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and enzymatic activity). These effects will cause variations in microbial abundance, activity, and community structure. Biochar can act as an electron mediator to promote electron transfer in the process of microbial degradation. And the application of biochar in soil bioremediation is also introduced. Nevertheless, toxic substances carried by biochar that may threaten microbial community shouldn't be overlooked. With this review, we can better understand biochar's involvement in soil bioremediation, which will help us choose and modify biochar in a targeted manner for the desired purpose in practical applications.

Automated summary

This paper summarizes the positive effects of biochar on microorganisms in soil bioremediation, including acting as a shelter, providing nutrients, and improving soil conditions. These effects result in variations in microbial abundance, activity, and community structure. Biochar also acts as an electron mediator to promote electron transfer in microbial degradation. However, the potential toxic substances carried by biochar that can threaten microbial communities should not be overlooked. This review helps us better understand the role of biochar in soil bioremediation and enables targeted selection and modification of biochar for desired outcomes in practical applications.