The article published in Eco-Environment & Health by Shen etal., investigate the impact of nanoscale zero-valent iron loaded 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 (nZVI@BC) on the fate of phenanthrene (Phe) in soil and its effects on radish (Raphanus sativus). The study highlights the potential of nZVI@BC as an effective amendment for remediating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated soils.

Using pot experiments, the authors compared the effects of nZVI@BC, nanoscale biochar (nBC), and nZVI on soil and plant systems. The findings revealed that nZVI@BC increased the non-desorbed fraction of phenanthrene in the soil, effectively reducing its bioavailability. Radish plants grown in soil treated with nZVI@BC accumulated higher levels of phenanthrene in shoots but exhibited no significant differences in 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 or enzyme activity compared to untreated controls. The study also showed that nZVI@BC enriched soil microbial communities with bacteria like Lysobacter and Sphingomonas, which are known for their ability to degrade organic pollutants. Furthermore, nZVI@BC mitigated the oxidative stress induced by nZVI, as indicated by stable antioxidant activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in radish plants.

This research demonstrates the potential of nZVI@BC for reducing phenanthrene bioavailability while promoting the resilience of soil-plant systems. However, the authors caution that the dosage and long-term impacts of nZVI@BC should be carefully optimized to balance environmental remediation with food safety.

SOURCE: Shen, L., Cai, Y., & Gao, J. (2025). Effects of nanoscale zero-valent iron loaded biochar on the fate of phenanthrene in soil-radish (Raphanus sativus L.) systems. Eco-Environment & Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eehl.2025.100134