In a recent study on As-Sb co-contaminated soil remediation, the addition of 1.5% Fe-functionalized biochar (FBC) emerged as a promising solution. The research revealed that this treatment significantly reduced bioavailable As and Sb concentrations, showcasing a 13.5% and 27.1% decrease, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, FBC demonstrated effective immobilization through Fe-induced mechanisms. The study emphasized the importance of FBC in altering soil enzyme activities, as evidenced by a remarkable increase of 108.2% and 367.4% in N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase and urease activities, respectively. Additionally, the abundance of specific bacterial phyla, including Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota, significantly rose in FBC-treated soil, indicating a positive impact on soil bacterial composition.

Co-occurrence network analysis further highlighted FBC’s superiority over pristine biochar in enhancing bacterial community complexity. The research underscored the potential ecological benefits of FBC application, suggesting its advantages in simultaneous As and Sb immobilization and restructuring bacterial communities in metal(loid)-contaminated soil. The study addressed the global concern of agricultural soil contamination by toxic elements, emphasizing the urgency for efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. The introduction highlighted the prevalence of Sb in industrial applications and the co-occurrence of As and Sb, posing threats to food security and human health. The significance of biochar, particularly Fe-modified biochar, in soil remediation was discussed, emphasizing its eco-friendly properties.

Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted benefits of FBC, not only in reducing metal(loid) availability but also in enhancing soil health and bacterial community complexity. The findings support the need for continued exploration of Fe-modified biochar as a potential solution for co-contaminated soils, offering both scientific understanding and practical guidance.