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A recent study published in Environmental Pollution highlights the potential of biochar as a sustainable method for removing antibiotics from industrial wastewater. Biochar, a carbon-rich material with unique surface properties, offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wastewater treatments that often consume substantial energy and generate harmful byproducts.

The study emphasizes the formation and development of biochar’s surface functionalities, which enhance its ability to remove antibiotics. These functionalities are influenced by various factors such as the carbonization process, feedstock materials, and operating parameters. Key interactions, including hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and π-π interactions, play a crucial role in the adsorption and removal of antibiotics on biochar surfaces.

The review explores the mechanisms behind these interactions and the conditions that affect biochar’s efficiency, such as particle size, pore structure, surface charge, temperature, and the presence of other substances. It also discusses the reusability and regeneration of biochar, as well as the challenges and future perspectives in developing biochar-based adsorbents.

Antibiotic contamination in water sources, driven by human and animal waste, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, poses significant environmental and health risks. The widespread use of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making effective wastewater treatment essential.

The study concludes by underscoring the significance of biochar as a sustainable and effective solution for mitigating antibiotic contamination. It calls for further research into optimizing biochar’s properties and understanding the factors that influence its performance, paving the way for innovative approaches to address this critical environmental issue.