Biochar composites: Emerging trends,field successes and sustainability implications |
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| Authors: | Liuwei Wang Yong Sik Ok Daniel C W Tsang Daniel S Alessi Jörg Rinklebe Ond?ej Ma?ek Nanthi S Bolan Deyi Hou |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China;2. Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Korea;3. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China;4. Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada;5. School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul, Korea;6. UK Biochar Research Centre, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK;7. Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Engineered biochars are promising candidates in a wide range of environmental applications, including soil fertility improvement, contaminant immobilization, wastewater treatment and in situ carbon sequestration. This review provides a systematic classification of these novel biochar composites and identifies the promising future trends in composite research and application. It is proposed that metals, minerals, layered double hydroxides, carbonaceous nanomaterials and microorganisms enhance the performances of biochars via distinct mechanisms. In this review, four novel trends are identified and assessed critically. Firstly, facile synthesis methods, in particular ball milling and co-pyrolysis, have emerged as popular composite fabrication strategies that are suitable for large-scale applications. Secondly, biochar modification with green materials, such as natural clay minerals and microorganisms, align well with the on-going green and sustainable remediation (GSR) movement. Furthermore, new applications in soil health improvement and climate change mitigation support the realization of United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Finally, the importance of field studies is getting more attention, since evidence of field success is critically needed before large-scale applications. |
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| Keywords: | climate change field trial life on lands SDGs soil quality sustainable remediation |
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