Overview

In finding sustainable solutions for pollution abatement, recent research has been shifted towards searching for environmentally-friendly and sustainable materials with special emphasis on biological waste with the aim of waste minimization. Biochar, derived from biomass and wastes, offers a promising opportunity in this respect. Owing to biochar’s many advantages, it has been used in many environmental applications including water and air purification as well as soil remediation (for the removal of hazardous and emerging contaminants). Different methods have been reported in literature for the synthesis of pristine and engineered/designer biochars for diverse applications.

The use of biochar-(nano)composites has also been investigated with some degree of success. Despite the extensive research made during past few years in biochar field, few concerns have been raised in recent years regarding the environmental aspects and potential aspects associated with biochar production and use. In view of the growing interest on biochar, this special issue has planned to address the recent progress, opportunities and challenges in the area of biochar.

This special issue is thus dedicated to discuss the new opportunities and challenges of biochar (pristine and engineered) and biochar-based composites for environmental applications.

This special issue will be an attempt to fulfil the knowledge gaps and lead to the progression of new knowledge on biochar research on various aspects. This special issue will incorporate research and review articles on exploring the applications of biochar and biochar-based composites on various aspects. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

Novel modification routes for engineered biochar synthesis for the removal of hazardous materials and emerging contaminants from the environment

Biochar composites for environmental remediation

Biochar interactions with emerging pollutants

Fate of contaminants and biochar in the environment

Mechanisms of interactions between biochar and environmental contaminants

Sustainable role of biochar to reduce environmental toxicity

Groundwater remediation, and water and wastewater treatment using biochar

Reductive immobilization of environmental contaminants using biochar

Remediation of contaminated environments using biochar

Risks and benefits of biochar application for environmental remediation

Potential for use of modified biochar for removal of pollutants

Emerging applications of biochar (e.g. Hydraulic fracturing wastewater)

Toxicity of contaminants and biochar

Life cycle assessment (LCA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of biochar use

In finding sustainable solutions for pollution abatement, recent research has been shifted towards searching for environmentally-friendly and sustainable materials with special emphasis on biological waste with the aim of waste minimization. Biochar, derived from biomass and wastes, offers a promising opportunity in this respect. Owing to biochar’s many advantages, it has been used in many environmental applications including water and air purification as well as soil remediation (for the removal of hazardous and emerging contaminants). Different methods have been reported in literature for the synthesis of pristine and engineered/designer biochars for diverse applications.

The use of biochar-(nano)composites has also been investigated with some degree of success. Despite the extensive research made during past few years in biochar field, few concerns have been raised in recent years regarding the environmental aspects and potential aspects associated with biochar production and use. In view of the growing interest on biochar, this special issue has planned to address the recent progress, opportunities and challenges in the area of biochar.

This special issue is thus dedicated to discuss the new opportunities and challenges of biochar (pristine and engineered) and biochar-based composites for environmental applications.

This special issue will be an attempt to fulfill the knowledge gaps and lead to the progression of new knowledge on biochar research on various aspects. This special issue will incorporate research and review articles on exploring the applications of biochar and biochar-based composites on various aspects. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

Novel modification routes for engineered biochar synthesis for the removal of hazardous materials and emerging contaminants from the environment

Biochar composites for environmental remediation

Biochar interactions with emerging pollutants

Fate of contaminants and biochar in the environment

Mechanisms of interactions between biochar and environmental contaminants

Sustainable role of biochar to reduce environmental toxicity

Groundwater remediation, and water and wastewater treatment using biochar

Reductive immobilization of environmental contaminants using biochar

Remediation of contaminated environments using biochar

Risks and benefits of biochar application for environmental remediation

Potential for use of modified biochar for removal of pollutants

Emerging applications of biochar (e.g. Hydraulic fracturing wastewater)

Toxicity of contaminants and biochar

Life cycle assessment (LCA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of biochar use