The featured video from the Alima channel, student researcher Si Kazarki outlines a systematic approach to transforming organic waste into functional environmental materials.The project demonstrates how common agricultural byproducts, specifically fruit peels, can be transformed into 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 through drying, grinding, and controlled thermal treatment. This process alters the internal structure of the waste, creating biochar with significant absorption properties. By repurposing organic materials that would otherwise emit methane in landfills, this method provides a dual benefit of waste reduction and the creation of value-added environmental tools.

The efficacy of this biochar was validated through controlled experiments focusing on soil health and water purification. In a simulated agricultural setup, the researcher compared the nutrient retention of plain sand against a sand-and-biochar mixture. The results showed that the biochar-integrated system significantly slowed the movement of soluble compounds, effectively reducing nutrient leachingLeaching is the process where nutrients are dissolved and carried away from the soil by water. This can lead to nutrient depletion and environmental pollution. Biochar can help reduce leaching by improving nutrient retention in the soil.   More. This finding suggests that biochar can serve as a sustainable amendment to keep fertilizers in the root zone longer, enhancing crop efficiency while preventing the chemical contamination of local groundwater.

The study further explored biochar as a low-cost solution for water treatment, testing its ability to filter heavy metal salts and organic dyes. When contaminated solutions were passed through the biochar layer, there was a visible reduction in color intensity and pollutant concentration. While the degree of purification varied based on the specific chemical nature of the contaminants, the experiments confirmed that waste-derived biochar possesses a strong absorption capacity. This research highlights a viable pathway for using circular economy principles to address global challenges in water quality and sustainable agriculture.