Biochar in the Remediation of Organic Pollutants in Water: A Review of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon and Pesticide Removal.

This review explores biochar's potential as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for remediating organic pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides, in water. Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass pyrolysis, has demonstrated adsorption efficiencies exceeding 90% under optimal conditions, depending on the feedstock type, pyrolysis temperature, and functionalization. High surface area (up to 1500 m/g), porosity, and modifiable surface functional groups make biochar effective in adsorbing a wide range of contaminants, including toxic metals, organic pollutants, and nutrients.

Carbonized Apples and Quinces Stillage for Electromagnetic Shielding.

Electromagnetic waves (EMWs) have become an integral part of our daily lives, but they are causing a new form of environmental pollution, manifesting as electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency signal leakage. As a result, the demand for innovative, eco-friendly materials capable of blocking EMWs has escalated in the past decade, underscoring the significance of our research. In the realm of modern science, the creation of new materials must consider the starting materials, production costs, energy usage, and the potential for air, water, and soil pollution.

Enhanced retention of hydrophobic pesticides in subsurface soils using organic amendments.

The rapid global population growth since the early 2000s has significantly increased the demand for agricultural products, leading to widespread pesticide use, particularly organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs). This extensive application poses severe environmental risks by contaminating air, soil, and water resources. To protect groundwater quality, it is crucial to understand the transport and fate of these pesticides in soil and sediment.

Enhancing Phytoextraction Potential of for Contaminated Dredged Sediment Using Nitrogen Fertilizers and Organic Acids.

Dredged sediment contaminated with heavy metals can be remediated through phytoremediation. The main challenge in phytoremediation is the limited availability of heavy metals for plant uptake, particularly in multi-contaminated soil or sediment. This study aimed to assess the effect of the nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate (AN), ammonium sulfate (AS), and urea (UR)), organic acids (oxalic (OA) and malic (MA) acids), and their combined addition to sediment on enhancing the bioavailability and phytoremediation efficiency of heavy metals.