The proliferation of arsenic (As) in soil due to anthropogenic activities poses a significant threat to both environmental health and agricultural productivity. Traditional approaches to soil remediation often fall short in addressing the complexities of As contamination. However, recent research has shed light on the potential of biochar, particularly derived from waste 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, as a promising solution for soil remediation. While biochar production from plants has been extensively studied, there remains a gap in understanding its potential when derived from invasive animal species.

In this study, researchers delved into the optimization of biochar production using apple snail residues, an invasive species causing substantial agricultural damage. By employing response surface methodology (RSM), the study identified optimal conditions for biochar production, including 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 temperature, time, and modification conditions. The results demonstrated significant As adsorption efficiency, with the biochar exhibiting a high capacity for immobilizing As in soil.

The application of apple snail biochar not only proved effective in As immobilization but also showcased improvements in soil quality. Treatment with apple snail biochar led to notable increases in soil organic matter and nutrient content, highlighting its potential to enhance soil fertility. Additionally, the biochar demonstrated the ability to enhance methane oxidation in soil, further contributing to environmental sustainability.

This study offers a novel approach to sustainable soil remediation by repurposing invasive species residues into biochar. The findings underscore the importance of exploring alternative waste biomass sources for biochar production, particularly from invasive animal species. Moving forward, further research is warranted to explore the scalability and broader application of invasive snail biochar in diverse soil remediation scenarios.

Invasive apple snail residues present a unique opportunity for sustainable soil remediation through biochar production. By optimizing production parameters and assessing its efficacy in As immobilization and soil quality improvement, this study highlights the potential of invasive animal-derived biochar as a valuable resource in environmental management strategies. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches, biochar derived from invasive species holds promise in addressing pressing environmental challenges while promoting ecological sustainability.