Harnessing biochar for nitrate removal from contaminated soil and water environments: Economic implications, practical feasibility, and future perspectives
Abstract Anthropogenic activities contribute to excessive nitrate (NO3 −) concentrations in water and soil ecosystems and negatively impact the environment and human health. The current debate and major challenges associated with biochar application are aimed to minimize the negative impacts of NO3...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Biochar |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-025-00486-8 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Anthropogenic activities contribute to excessive nitrate (NO3 −) concentrations in water and soil ecosystems and negatively impact the environment and human health. The current debate and major challenges associated with biochar application are aimed to minimize the negative impacts of NO3 −, and advance agricultural and environmental sustainability. Critical discussion on practical applicability for NO3 − removal from contaminated soil–water and cost–benefit analysis for scaling up biochar applications are yet to be discussed. Therefore, this review emphasizes the practical applications and feasibility of biochar in NO3 − removal via treating naturally contaminated soil and water environments. Naturally contaminated groundwater and stormwater have been treated with different filter materials to achieve NO3 − removal up to ~ 70–100% due to electrostatic attraction, ligand formation, precipitation, and electrochemical reduction. Incorporating biochar as a soil amendment to overcome ex-situ challenges for NO3 − retention in soil ecosystems is discussed using various in-situ remediation techniques. Soil column studies for NO3 − retention and leaching using pristine and modified biochar contribute to improved NO3 − management. Further, considering interference with existing wastewater treatment plant operations, the critical evaluation of NO3 −removal using biochar integrated with constructed wetlands for robust and high treatment efficacy has been summarized. Considering the economic implications of biochar, cost–benefit analysis for NO3 − abatement via the polluter pay principle, the implementation of subsidies for pollution control, and different denitrification techniques for restoration, reduction of non-point source pollution, and scaling up biochar applications at commercial scale have been explored. Importantly, this review concludes with future perspectives on biochar applications to agricultural surface and sub-surface flows, mesocosm-constructed wetlands, and soil column experiments. Overall, raw and engineered biochar can be effectively implemented for NO3 − removal from contaminated soil and water ecosystems. Lastly, this study recommends policy interventions for biochar applications for nutrient management and environmental sustainability in the agricultural sector. Graphical Abstract |
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| ISSN: | 2524-7867 |