In a comprehensive review featured in Results in Surfaces and Interfaces, Mukherjee et al. delve into the antimicrobial potential of biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More and its modifications against waterborne pathogens. Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More of biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More, has gained attention for its potential to address water contamination, a significant threat to human health.

The authors discuss various methods of biochar synthesis, including pyrolysis, gasificationGasification is a high-temperature, thermochemical process that converts carbon-based materials into a gaseous fuel called syngas and solid by-products. It takes place in an oxygen-deficient environment at temperatures typically above 750°C. Unlike combustion, which fully burns material to produce heat and carbon dioxide (CO2​), gasification More, and hydrothermal carbonization, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each technique.   The review also explores modifications of biochar, such as magnetic biochar (MB) and magnetic biochar-quaternary phosphonium salt (MBQ), which exhibit enhanced antimicrobial properties. MBQ, in particular, has shown promising results in inhibiting waterborne pathogens like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by disrupting bacterial membranes and inducing oxidative damage.   The authors conclude that biochar and its modifications offer a green, facile, and cost-effective approach to combat waterborne pathogens, providing a sustainable solution for water purification.  

SOURCE: Mukherjee, D., Sil, M., Goswami, A., Bhattacharya, D., Nag, M., Lahiri, D., Sharma, K., & Verma, R. (2025). Synthesis, modification and antimicrobial potential of biochar and its modifications against water-borne pathogens: A review. Results in Surfaces and Interfaces, 18, 100438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsurfi.2025.100438