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Biochar Composite with Enhanced Performance Prepared Through Microbial Modification for Water Pollutant Removal

Summary

Scientists created a special type of charcoal (biochar) by using fungi to break down agricultural waste before processing it. This fungal-treated biochar is much better at removing pollutants like dyes, antibiotics, and heavy metals from water compared to regular biochar. The material can be reused many times, making it practical and cost-effective for cleaning contaminated water.

Background

Biochar is a promising adsorbent for water treatment, but traditionally produced biochar has limitations in adsorption performance. Bio-modification using fungi offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical modification methods for enhancing biochar properties.

Objective

This study investigated the feasibility of using microbial modification with fungi (Aspergillus niger and Myrothecium verrucaria) to enhance biochar performance for removing water pollutants including rhodamine B, tetracycline hydrochloride, and Cr(VI).

Results

BQH-AN and BQH-MV showed significantly higher specific surface areas (3547.47 and 3205.59 m²/g) and maximum adsorption capacities (1450.79 mg/g for RhB, 1608.43 mg/g for TC, 744.15 mg/g for Cr(VI)) compared to untreated biochar. After five reuse cycles, both composites maintained pollutant removal efficiency above 69%, demonstrating excellent regenerative ability.

Conclusion

Microbial modification is an effective and sustainable method to enhance lignocellulosic biochar performance for water pollutant removal. The mycelial composite biochar prepared via bio-regulation demonstrates superior adsorption properties with practical applications in environmental water treatment, offering milder conditions and lower costs than chemical modification approaches.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms252111732
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