In the fight against persistent ecological pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 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 emerges as a promising solution. PAHs, resulting from incomplete combustion of organic materials, pose serious threats to both human health and aquatic ecosystems due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic characteristics. The urgent need for effective remediation strategies has led to a renewed focus on biochar, a sustainable carbonaceous material derived from 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 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.

Biochar’s vast surface area, rich pore structure, and abundant functional groups make it a highly potent material for capturing toxic pollutants. This review meticulously examines the occurrence, behavior, and fate of PAHs in the environment and biochar’s pivotal role in their remediation. The discussion extends to the specific properties and mechanisms through which biochar interacts with PAH molecules, emphasizing the significant factors influencing this process.

Further, the review delves into the various methods for enhancing biochar’s properties, including surface modifications and magnetization, to bolster its pollutant removal efficiency. Such advancements highlight the potential for customized biochar solutions tailored to specific remediation needs.

However, the application of biochar in PAH remediation is not without challenges. The review identifies obstacles such as the need for large-scale implementation and the adaptation of biochar properties to target specific PAHs effectively. Despite these challenges, the prospects for biochar’s role in environmental restoration remain promising, offering a sustainable pathway to mitigate the adverse effects of PAH pollution on our ecosystem.