In a study published in Environmental Technology & Innovation, Haiying Tang and colleagues explored how combining iron-modified 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 with a specific bacterium can help rice plants thrive in soil contaminated with antimony.  

Antimony, a toxic metalloid, is increasingly polluting soils due to industrial activities. This pollution poses a threat to food safety as it can accumulate in crops like rice.  

The researchers investigated whether iron-modified biochar (FMB) and the bacterium Ochrobactrum oryzae could reduce antimony’s harmful effects on rice. They found that the combined application of FMB and the bacterium improved rice growth by enhancing photosynthesis, antioxidant activity, and the plant’s ability to manage stress.  

Furthermore, this combined treatment decreased antimony’s availability in the soil and its uptake by rice plants, reducing the risk of contamination. The study also showed that the combined treatment increased beneficial soil bacteria, which further aids in counteracting the toxic effects of antimony.  

This research offers valuable insights into developing eco-friendly strategies for безопасн and sustainable rice production in antimony-polluted soils.  

SOURCE: Tang, H., Meng, G., Jiang, W., Ma, Y., Duan, R., Hassan, M. U., … & Hashem, M. (2025). Co-application of iron modified biochar and metal resistant bacteria alleviates antimony toxicity in rice by modulating morpho-physiological and biochemical traits and soil microbial activities. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 38, 104184.