Biochar potential for pollutant removal during wastewater treatment: A comprehensive review of separation mechanisms, technological integration, and process analysis

The increasing urbanization and industrialisation worldwide are deteriorating ground and surface water quality. Biochar is derived from the pyrolysis of agro-residues, forestry residues, sewage sludge, fruit peels, poultry manure, and algal biomass. It has emerged as an efficient adsorbent for wastewater treatment. Modified biochar, treated with chemicals like ZnCl₂, KOH, and ZnO/ZnS, demonstrates enhanced performance over pristine biochar. Biochar derived from waste biomass stands out as a sustainable and efficient option. This review explores biochar production techniques, pre-treatment methods, and key characteristics that affect its effectiveness, with a focus on studies published over the past decade.…

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  Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India