Realizing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for Greener Remediation of Heavy Metals-Contaminated Soils by Biochar: Emerging Trends and Future Directions

Abstract

The remediation of heavy metals (HMs) in soil is always an important topic, as environmental contamination by HMs is of serious concern. Numerous potential advantages, especially integrated with biochar produced from various biomass, might provide an ecologically beneficial tool for achieving the UN’s sustainable development objectives for greener soil remediation. The aim of this study was to address how the soil-science professions may best successfully utilize biochar for greener remediation of HMs-contaminated soils. In this context, the biochar preparation method from different agricultural feedstock, and its use as a soil amendment for remediation of HMs-contaminated soil, were discussed. Furthermore, biochar-based nanocomposites containing functional materials have lately attracted much interest because of the unique properties emerging from their nanoscale size compartment, and present good promise in terms of reactivity and stability. The utility and potency of biochar-based nanocomposites, on the other hand, are determined by their ability to adapt to particular site circumstances and soil qualities. This overview summarized the current advances in the application for the remediation of HMs-polluted soils. Future views on the usage and possibilities for deploying biochar-based nanocomposites in polluted soils were discussed.

Definitive Review of Nanobiochar

“…Nanobiochar fits this objective as a waste biomass product applied as a soil amendments to improve farm economies . Likewise, the zero hunger objective of SDG 2 may be achieved through the nanobiochar use as a soil amendment slow-release fertilizer to enhance crop productivity to meet the food demands of a growing population. , Utilizing nanobiochar in addressing soil and water pollution, as well as facilitating targeted drug delivery, would contribute to achieving good health and well-being, aligning with SDG 3 objective. ,, Nanobiochar has potential to contribute to achieving SDG 6 , focusing on clean water and sanitation. , Adding nanobiochar to fuels improves fuel combustion efficiency while decreasing NOx, CO and unburned hydrocarbon emissions which corresponds to the aiding in SDG 7 objectives (ensuring access to affordable and clean energy) . Incorporating nanobiochar into cementitious materials not only aids in carbon sequestration but also enhances the mechanical properties of cement composites.…”

“… 276 Likewise, the zero hunger objective of SDG 2 may be achieved through the nanobiochar use as a soil amendment slow-release fertilizer to enhance crop productivity to meet the food demands of a growing population. 142 , 278 Utilizing nanobiochar in addressing soil and water pollution, as well as facilitating targeted drug delivery, would contribute to achieving good health and well-being, aligning with SDG 3 objective. 40 , 251 , 276 Nanobiochar has potential to contribute to achieving SDG 6 , focusing on clean water and sanitation.…”

Emerging environmental contaminants: Sources, effects on biodiversity and humans, remediation, and conservation implications

“…zeolites, phosphates, cement, clay, minerals, and microbes), the immobilization method reduces the mobility, bioaccessibility, and solubility of heavy metals in soils with contaminants. 49 , 57 , 63 Immobilization of EECCs, such as toxic heavy metals, employs organic and inorganic amendments in contaminated soils. 13 , 49 , 52 The contaminated soils are typically combined with concrete, asphalt, lime, or other mobilizing agents such as chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethanes, polyacrylamide, agar, and alginate in the encapsulation process.…”

Heavy Metal Toxicity and Remediation in Human and Agricultural Systems: An Updated Review

“…The bioremediation method, which includes phytoremediation and microbiological remediation, is also shown in Table 4. Growing specific plants in the polluted soil, such as Cruciferae species like the genus Brassica, Alyssums, etc., was part of the phytoremediation process (Xin et al, 2003;Elbasiouny et al, 2021;Jeyasundar et al, 2021;Kumar et al, 2021;Mazarji et al, 2021;Verma et al, 2021;Amuah et al, 2022;Awasthi et al, 2022). The most crucial factor is finding plants with a solid capacity to amass and overcome HMs.…”