Shah & Daverey (2024) Assessment of interactive effects of sophorolipids and pine needle 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 augmentation in the process of phytoremediationThis is a technique that uses plants to clean up contaminated soil or water. Biochar can enhance phytoremediation by improving soil conditions and promoting plant growth, allowing plants to absorb and break down pollutants more effectively.   More of Cd contaminated soil using response surface methodology. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2024.105936

Phytoremediation, the use of plants to remove contaminants from soil, has gained traction as a sustainable way to address heavy metal pollution. In a recent study, researchers explored the combined effects of two soil amendments—sophorolipids (SLs) and pine needle biochar—on improving cadmium (Cd) uptake by Bidens pilosa, a known hyperaccumulator plant.

The study utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to model the interaction between SLs, a biosurfactant, and biochar derived from pine needles. Results indicated that both amendments, when used individually, enhanced Cd uptake in the plant. The optimal concentrations for Cd removal were found to be 1.23 g/kg for SLs and 1.55% for biochar. Under these conditions, maximum Cd uptake reached 125.33 mg/kg in shoots and 298.27 mg/kg in roots.

While SLs and biochar showed significant individual effects on Cd uptake, their interaction negatively influenced the efficiency of phytoremediation. This may be due to the contrasting mechanisms by which SLs and biochar interact with heavy metals. SLs tend to increase the bioavailability of Cd, enhancing plant uptake, while biochar immobilizes metals, reducing their mobility in the soil.

Despite the negative interaction, the study demonstrated that a combined use of SLs and biochar could still enhance the phytoremediation process under optimized conditions. These findings highlight the potential of integrating biological and organic amendments to improve soil health and reduce heavy metal contamination.