Hama Aziz KH, Fatah NM, Muhammad KT. 2024 Advancements in application of 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 as a green and low-cost adsorbent for wastewater remediation from organic dyes. R. Soc. Open Sci. 11: 232033. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.232033

The rise in industrial activities has led to significant water pollution, with organic dyes from textiles, printing, and other industries being major pollutants. These dyes pose severe environmental and health risks due to their toxicity and resistance to conventional treatment methods. Consequently, there is a growing need for effective and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from organic waste through 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, has emerged as a promising solution for wastewater remediation. Its extensive surface area, high porosityPorosity of biochar is a key factor in its effectiveness as a soil amendment and its ability to retain water and nutrients. Biochar’s porosity is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature, and it plays a crucial role in microbial activity and overall soil health. Biochar More, and the presence of functional groups make it an efficient adsorbent for removing pollutants from water. However, unmodified biochar often lacks the necessary adsorption capacity for certain pollutants, necessitating further modifications to enhance its effectiveness.

Recent research focuses on modified biochar, which undergoes chemical, physical, or biological modifications to improve its adsorption properties. Common modification techniques include acid-alkaline treatment, metal doping, and magnetic adjustment. These modifications increase the surface area, porosity, and introduce functional groups that enhance the biochar’s ability to adsorb organic dyes. For instance, iron-modified biochar exhibits magnetic properties that facilitate easy separation from treated water, while nitrogen-doping improves adsorption efficiency by creating more active sites on the biochar surface.

Despite the advancements, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of modified biochar. These include the generation of secondary pollutants, high regeneration costs, and the variability in adsorption efficiency across different wastewater streams. Additionally, large-scale applications are still under-researched, necessitating further studies to confirm the scalability and economic viability of modified biochar in industrial settings.

Future research should focus on developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly modification techniques, optimizing regeneration processes, and conducting long-term field studies to validate the effectiveness of modified biochar. Addressing these challenges can pave the way for sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment solutions, leveraging the potential of biochar as a low-cost and eco-friendly adsorbent