Low-Temperature Phosphoric Acid Biochar: A Sustainable Solution for Water and Soil Remediation

Researchers developed low-temperature phosphoric acid biochar (P-BC) from cotton stalks, showing promise in water remediation by efficiently removing paclobutrazol. P-BC also mitigates phytotoxicity in PBZ-polluted soil, offering a sustainable solution for environmental challenges.

February 24, 2024

1–2 minutes

Zhong, Zhang, et al (2024) Phoshporic acid actived 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 for efficient removal of paclobutrazol and alleviating its phytotoxicity to mung bean. *Chemical Engineering Science*. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2024.119904

In this study, researchers have developed a novel biochar, termed P-BC, using a low-temperature phosphoric acid activation 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 method with cotton stalks. Unlike conventional high-temperature biochar production, P-BC exhibits a large specific surface area, abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, and is rich in nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients.

The study demonstrates the capabilities of P-BC in removing paclobutrazol (PBZ) from water, with a water adsorption capacity of 192.89 mg·g−1. The adsorption mechanisms involve pore filling, hydrogen bonding, weak electrostatic effects, and π-π interactions. Furthermore, the addition of P-BC to PBZ-polluted soil shows a reduction in bioavailability and phytotoxicity, ensuring the normal growth of mung bean seedlings.

The research addresses the environmental challenges posed by PBZ, a widely used plant growth regulator with slow environmental metabolism and long-lasting residues inhibiting plant growth. The current remediation techniques, such as photocatalytic degradation and advanced oxidation processes, have limitations, making adsorption using biochar an environmentally friendly and potentially cost-effective solution.

Cotton stalks, abundant globally due to extensive cultivation of the high-value cash crop, serve as raw material for P-BC production. This study emphasizes the need for a simple and low-cost H3PO4-modified biochar produced through low-temperature pyrolysis for both water and soil remediation.

In conclusion, the research presents a promising approach to environmental sustainability by introducing a novel biochar preparation method with potential applications in water and soil remediation, contributing to the removal of organic pollutants and the promotion of plant growth.