Application of Biochar as a Sustainable Material for Soil Improvement and Contaminant Remediation - A Review

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 1

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Dinken Paksok, Ajanta Kalita, K. Ravi

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I1P102

How to Cite?

Dinken Paksok, Ajanta Kalita, K. Ravi, "Application of Biochar as a Sustainable Material for Soil Improvement and Contaminant Remediation - A Review," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 1, pp. 7-15, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I1P102

Abstract:

Biochar has gained an increasing interest among the scientific community as well as the public within the last few years. This article presents a comprehensive review of different applications of biochar to environmental and agricultural problems. It has become popular due to the competency of biochar pyrolyzed in improving the soil’s quality and its ability to sequester carbon, as well as monitor activity remediation at contaminated soils. It is also a source of agricultural improvement by increasing nutrient retention and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and fostering beneficial microbe growth in the soil, greatly affecting crop yields and future food security. Carbon-sequestering properties of biochar also aid in reducing climate change effects by lowering levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. It may include remediation of polluted soils, immobilization, and degradation of pollutants, such as organic and heavy metal contaminants. Furthermore, biochar practices match sustainable agriculture principles in minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and conserving water through improved water retention. This study considered various biochar-related areas: production methods, chemical and physical characteristics, and gas and organic pollutant remediation applications. Specific Surface Area (SSA), porosity, and functional groups are all important properties of biochar that allow the application of the material to be adapted for different uses. Its adaptability is enhanced by using various feedstocks and production processes. The study also investigates biochar’s role in soil stabilization. Biochar can improve soil strength in clayey soils, but its influence may vary depending on what biochar is used, its amounts applied, and the soil characteristics. Therefore, biochar applications have demonstrated it as an environmentally friendly, varied solution with a lot of potential to address diverse environmental and agricultural problems. Its versatile attributes, potential benefits for sustainability, and significant improvement in soil properties with the possibility of carbon storage and remediation of contaminated environments make it an object of great interest in today’s research and sustainability initiatives. Further research will advance our understanding of the uses of biochar and its pivotal role in addressing global challenges.

Keywords:

Biochar, Soil improvement, Pollution remediation, Carbon sequestration, Soil stabilization.

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