Biochar affects the fate of phosphorus in soil and water: A critical review. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ghodszad, Larissa; Reyhanitabar, Adel; Maghsoodi, Mohammad Reza; Asgari Lajayer, Behnam; Chang, Scott X.
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 283(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Eutrophication -- Phosphorus dynamics -- Pollutant -- Pyrolysis -- Soil fertility; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131176
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Biochar is a promising novel material for managing phosphorus (P), a nutrient often limiting for primary production but can also be a pollutant, in the environment. Reducing P input to the environment and finding cost-effective approaches to remediate P contamination are major challenges in P management. There is currently no review that systematically summarizes biochar effects on soil P availability and its P removal potential from water systems. In this paper, we comprehensively reviewed biochar effects on soil P availability and P removal from water systems and discussed the mechanisms involved. Biochar affects soil P cycling by altering P chemical forms, changing soil P sorption and desorption capacities, and influencing microbial population size, enzyme activities, mycorrhizal associations and microbial production of metal-chelating organic acids. The porous structure, high specific surface area, and metal oxide and surface functional groups make biochars effective materials for removing P from eutrophic water via ligand exchange, cation bridge, and P precipitation. Because soil and biochar properties are widely variable, the effect of biochar on the fate of P in soil and water systems is inconsistent among different studies. Knowledge gaps in the economic practicability of large-scale biochar application, the longevity of biochar benefits, and the potential ecological risks of biochar application should be addressed in future research. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Biochar is a novel/designed adsorbent for phosphorus in soil and water (Ps-w). Biochar nutrients release and its specific surface area affect Ps-w availability. Feedstock type and pyrolysis condition play a key role affecting Ps-w dynamics. Solution and biochar properties determine P removal efficiency from wastewater. Novel modification methods enhance biochar P sorption capacity.