Search Results (1,505)

Iodine deficiency remains a significant nutritional problem, which stimulates the search for sustainable approaches to biofortification of vegetable crops. The aim of the work was to develop a “smart” bio-iodine fertilizer based on the organoiodide complex 1-carboxy-2-phenylethan-1-aminium iodide 2-azaniumyl-3-phenylpropanoate (PPI) and highly porous biochar from agro-waste, assessing its efficiency on the parsley model. PPI was synthesized and characterized (IR/UV spectroscopy, thermal analysis), and biochar was obtained by KOH activation and studied by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption (S_BET) methods, as well as standard physico-chemical characterization. The granulated composition PPI + biochar (BIOF) was tested in pot experiments in comparison with KI and control. The biomass of leaves and roots, iodine and organic nitrogen content, and antioxidant indices (ascorbic acid, total polyphenols, antioxidant activity) were assessed. BIOF provided a significant increase in yield and nutrition: leaf mass reached 86.55 g/plant versus 77.72 g/plant with KI and 65.04 g/plant in the control; root mass—up to 8.25 g/plant (p < 0.05). Iodine content in leaves and roots increased to 11.86 and 13.23 mg/kg (d.w.), respectively, while organic nitrogen levels increased simultaneously (57.37 and 36.63 mg/kg). A significant increase in the antioxidant status was noted (ascorbic acid 36.46 mg/100 g dry weight; antioxidant activity 44.48 mg GA/g; polyphenols 23.79 mg GA/g). The presented data show that the combination of PPI with activated biochar forms an effective platform for controlled supply of iodine to plants, increasing the yield and functional qualities of products; the prospects for implementation are associated with field trials and dosage optimization. Full article

In agricultural systems, excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer often leads to low nitrogen use efficiency and environmental pollution. In order to solve this problem, we studied the synergistic effect of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer on pepper yield, quality and rhizosphere soil health. This study was conducted under a temperate continental monsoon climate in Changchun, China. Using ‘Jinfu 803’ pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as the test material, biochar was prepared from corn straw under oxygen-limited conditions at 500 °C. the comprehensive effects of the combined application of biochar (0, 0.7% soil mass ratio) and nitrogen fertilizer (0, 75, 375, 675 kg/hm² pure nitrogen) on pepper yield, fruit quality, rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties, and microbial community structure were studied. Redundancy analysis (RDA), high-throughput sequencing, and multivariate statistical methods were used to analyze the association patterns between soil environmental factors and microbial functional groups. The results showed that the combined application of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer significantly improved soil porosity (increased by 12.3–28.6%) and nutrient content, increased yield, and improved quality, among which the treatment of 0.7% biochar combined with 375 kg/hm² nitrogen fertilizer (B1N2) had the best effect. Under this treatment, the pepper yield reached 24,854.1 kg/hm², which was 42.35% higher than that of the control (B0N0). Notably, the nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN) of the B1N2 treatment (66.3 kg/kg) was significantly higher than that of the corresponding treatment without biochar and was not significantly lower than that of the high-nitrogen B1N3 treatment. The contents of soluble sugar and vitamin C in fruits increased by 51.18% and 39.16%, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that the bacterial community structure was primarily shaped by soil pH, organic matter, and porosity, while the fungal community was predominantly influenced by alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen and total nitrogen. Furthermore, the B1N2 treatment specifically enriched key functional microbial taxa, such as Chloroflexi (involved in carbon cycling) and Mortierellomycota (phosphate-solubilizing), which showed significant positive correlations with improved soil properties. In conclusion, B1N2 is the optimal treatment combination as it improves soil physical conditions, increases nutrient content, optimizes microbial community structure, and enhances pepper yield and quality. Full article

The applicability of biochar as a coarse aggregate substitute in concrete to increase sustainability and multifunctionality was investigated. Biochar, a porous carbon-rich byproduct from biomass pyrolysis, was incorporated at various replacement ratios (5–20%) under four water-to-binder (w/b) conditions (0.25–0.40). The key physical, mechanical, thermal, and microstructural properties, including the unit weight, porosity, compressive strength, flexural strength, and thermal conductivity, were evaluated via SEM and EDS analyses. The results revealed that although increasing the biochar content reduced the mechanical strength, it significantly improved the thermal insulation performance because of the porous structure of the biochar. At low w/b ratios and 5–10% biochar content, sufficient mechanical properties were retained, indicating a viable design range. Higher replacement ratios (>15%) led to excessive porosity, reduced hydration, and impaired durability. This study quantitatively analyzed the interproperty correlations, confirming that the strength and thermal performance are closely linked to the internal matrix density and porosity. These findings suggest that biochar-based concrete has potential for use in thermal energy storage systems, high-temperature insulation, and low-carbon construction. The low-carbon effect is achieved both by sequestering stable carbon within the concrete matrix and by partially replacing cement, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions from cement production. Moreover, the results highlight a strong correlation between increased porosity, enhanced thermal insulation, and reduced strength, thereby offering a solid foundation for sustainable material design. In particular, the term ‘high temperature’ in this context refers to exposure conditions above approximately 200~400 °C, as reported in previous studies. However, this should be considered as a potential application to be validated in future experiments rather than a confirmed outcome of this study. Full article

Fruit production is a high environmental impact sector, requiring sustainable strategies that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve resource efficiency, and maintain fruit quality. This study assessed the environmental performance of innovative substrates with biodegradable additives and organic binders in tunnel-grown raspberry production. The functional unit was 1 kg of marketable fruit, and the experiment was conducted in Karwia, Poland. GHG emissions were calculated for eight substrate variants following ISO 14040 and 14041 guidelines. The baseline was coconut fiber, while modified variants included the additions of sunflower husk biochar and/or a wood-industry isolate, representing sustainable strategies in soilless cultivation. Emissions ranged from 0.728 to 1.226 kg CO₂ eq/kg of raspberries, with the control showing the highest values. All modified substrates (produced based on a mixture of biochar and isolate) reduced emissions, with the most efficient variant achieving nearly a 40% decrease. Water use efficiency was decisive, as consumption declined from 2744 m³/ha (control) to 1838 m³/ha in improved variants. Substrate air–water properties proved critical for both environmental and economic outcomes. The findings confirm that substrate modification constitutes an effective, sustainable strategy for raspberry production under high tunnels, supporting climate-smart horticulture and resource-efficient food systems. Full article

This study systematically explores the mechanisms and application potential of biochar in remediating heavy metal-contaminated soils. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of raw materials and pyrolysis conditions in modulating key physicochemical properties of biochar, including its aromatic structure, porosity, cation exchange capacity, and ash content, which collectively enhance heavy metal immobilization. The direct remediation mechanisms are categorized into six pathways: physical adsorption, electrostatic interactions, precipitation, ion exchange, organic functional group complexation, and redox reactions, with particular emphasis on the reduction in toxic Cr⁶⁺ and the oxidation of mobile As³⁺. In addition to direct interactions, biochar indirectly facilitates remediation by enhancing soil carbon sequestration, improving soil physicochemical characteristics, stimulating microbial activity, and promoting plant growth, thereby generating synergistic effects. The study evaluates combined remediation strategies integrating biochar with phytoremediation and microbial remediation, highlighting their enhanced efficiency. Moreover, practical challenges related to the long-term stability, ecological risks, and economic feasibility in field applications are critically analyzed. By synthesizing recent theoretical advancements and practical findings, this research provides a scientific foundation for optimizing biochar-based soil remediation technologies. Full article

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) are some of the most widely distributed organic pollutants in underground environments and have high biological toxicity. This research aims to prepare an effective adsorbent comprising biochar and magnetite (MBC) to remove CAH pollution from soil. Optimization of the preparation and adsorption performance of MBC was investigated. The results of the adsorption experiment, combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, show that the best raw material and pyrolysis temperature were coconut shell and 500 °C respectively. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern characterizations, as well as the adsorption results, demonstrated the successful synthesis and enhancement effect of MBC for CAHs. The adsorption of CAHs on Fe₃O₄-loaded biochar was improved by 34.40–222.25% during pyrolysis at 500–900 °C. Additionally, MBC with a 10% Fe₃O₄ content had the best effect on three types of CAHs at low concentrations. A comparative pore analysis of MBC with different doses of Fe₃O₄ was carried out to reveal the relationship between the pore characteristics and adsorption properties. Furthermore, competitive adsorption experiments demonstrated that 4 wt% MBC addition significantly reduced the soil-bound TCE by 48.6%. Overall, these results indicated that MBC was an effective adsorbent for CAH removal from the polluted underground environment. Full article

The growing challenge of managing end-of-life creosote-treated railroad ties, along with the increasing demand for effective water treatment solutions, has highlighted the potential of converting railroad tie biomass into functional biochar through pyrolysis. Pyrolysis temperatures ranging from 250 °C to 700 °C were evaluated to determine their influence on biochar yield, physicochemical properties, and adsorption performance for nitrate and phosphate. The findings revealed that increasing pyrolysis temperature enhanced biochar surface area and porosity, reaching 454.9 m²/g at 700 °C. Elemental analyses showed maximum carbonization at 550 °C, with carbon content peaking at 80%, reflecting the development of more stable aromatic structures. SEM and FTIR analyses confirmed these structural changes, including the emergence of extensive pore networks and aromatic frameworks. Biochar produced at 600 °C demonstrated high nitrate (80%) and phosphate (79%) removal efficiencies, following Freundlich isotherm models. Magnesium-modified biochar further improved nitrate adsorption, reaching 90% removal at 5 ppm. Importantly, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the biochar decreased significantly at higher temperatures, ensuring environmental safety. This work demonstrates the dual environmental benefits of converting hazardous railroad tie waste into value-added biochar for nutrient removal in water treatment applications, offering a sustainable and scalable solution for circular waste management. Full article

This study explores the valorization of tomato stem waste by converting it into biochar through slow pyrolysis and incorporating it into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites for fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing. The objective was to improve the valorization and added value of tomato stem waste. Biochar derived from tomato stems was characterized for its physicochemical properties, revealing a high surface area and small particle size. PLA-based composite filaments with 5% and 7.5% biochar were manufactured via melt extrusion. The effects of biochar concentration and printing infill patterns (concentric and rectilinear) on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of the 3D-printed composites were investigated. Results indicated that biochar slightly increased the glass transition temperature of PLA and improved the flexural properties. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that the storage modulus was enhanced in the glassy region for composites with 5% biochar, suggesting improved stiffness. This research demonstrates the potential of using tomato stem-derived biochar as a sustainable filler in PLA composites, contributing to the circular economy and reducing environmental impact. Full article

This study investigates the influence of feedstock blending on the structural and thermal properties of biochar produced via downdraft gasification at 850 °C. Biochars from 100% oak, a 1:1 oak-–pine blend, and a ternary blend of 50% oak, 30% pine, and 20% RDF were analyzed using SEM, BET, TGA, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and CHN elemental analysis. The oak biochar exhibited the highest surface area (107.7 m²/g) and fixed-carbon content (79.94%), while the RDF-based biochar showed a 99.2% decrease in surface area (0.86 m²/g) and a 19.7% reduction in fixed carbon. These findings underscore RDF’s detrimental impact on porosity and stability, despite its waste valorization potential, suggesting its limited use in applications requiring high adsorption or structural integrity. Further studies should optimize RDF preprocessing and blending ratios to balance sustainability with functional performance. Full article

The thermal processing of walnut shells was investigated through pyrolysis within the range of 100–650 °C, highlighting the influence of thermal engineering parameters on biomass conversion. The resulting biochar was subjected to chemical activation with phosphoric acid, and its physicochemical properties were evaluated to determine how thermal processing enhances its performance as a cathode material for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. This approach underscores the role of thermal engineering in bridging biomass valorization with energy storage technologies. In parallel, the gaseous fraction generated during walnut shell fast pyrolysis was collected, and for the first time, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under atmospheric conditions were identified using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The composition of the VOCs was characterized, quantifying aromatic compounds, hydrocarbons, furans, and oxygenated species. This study further linked the thermal decomposition pathways of these compounds to their atmospheric implications by estimating tropospheric lifetimes and evaluating their potential contributions to air quality degradation at the local, regional, and global scales. Full article

For the successful commercialization of cocoa in the global market, ensuring product quality and compliance with regulations—such as EU regulation, which established maximum cadmium (Cd) levels for cocoa products—is essential. Moreover, cocoa cultivation in Colombian soils, an alternative to coca cultivation, is in many cases an unsustainable practice due to soil degradation, which is accompanied by a drastic decrease in soil organic carbon content. This study evaluated the use of a nature-based solution for cadmium remediation in cocoa cultivation soils by applying three organic amendments: biochar derived from cocoa pod shells (Cocoachar), spent coffee grounds (SCGs), and SCG-derived biochar (SCGchar). The effects of these organic amendments, applied at rates of 5, 10, and 15% (w/w), were evaluated in an in vitro incubation experiment (climate chamber) using soil samples collected from Zulia (mountain soils) and Tibú (alluvial soils), located in the Catatumbo region of Norte de Santander (Colombia). Soil analyses included available Cd concentrations (by atomic absorption spectroscopy), physicochemical properties (pH, organic matter, electrical conductivity), and other mineral elements. The results showed that Cocoachar significantly reduced Cd concentrations while enhancing soil quality, particularly by increasing pH and improving soil organic matter content. The application of 15% Cocoachar reduced Cd levels from 0.056 to 0.012 mg kg⁻¹ and increased soil pH from 6.3 to 7.0 in Zulia. In Tibú, the addition of 15% Cocoachar lowered Cd levels from 0.12 to 0.05 mg kg⁻¹ and raised the pH from 5.0 to 6.1. SCGchar primarily enhanced soil organic carbon, increasing its content from 1.87% to 2.35% in Zulia and from 0.66% to 1.53% in Tibú, thereby supporting ecological balance and sustainable soil fertility. Overall, the recycling of cocoa and coffee by-products into biochar offers a solution within the circular economy and a sustainable way to cultivate cocoa. This in vitro exploratory study must be confirmed with field trials and Cd analyses in cocoa beans. Full article

River sediments have attracted increasing attention as alternative raw materials for sustainable cementitious materials due to their abundant availability and silica–alumina-rich composition. In this study, a systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science and Google Scholar using combinations of the keywords “river sediment,” “cementitious materials,” “activation,” and “pozzolanic activity,” covering publications up to July 2025. In addition, a citation network tool (Connected Papers) was employed to trace related works and ensure comprehensive coverage of emerging studies. This review systematically examines the properties of river sediments from diverse regions, along with activation and modification techniques such as alkali/acid activation, thermal calcination, and mechanical milling. Their applications in various cementitious systems are analyzed, with mix design models compared to elucidate the effects of replacing fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, and cement on workability, strength, and durability. Multi-scale characterization via XRD, FTIR, and TG-DSC reveals the mechanisms of C–S–H and C–A–S–H gel formation, pore refinement, and interfacial transition zone densification. The review highlights three key findings: (1) moderate sediment replacement (20–30%) improves strength without compromising flowability; (2) alkali–water glass activation and calcination at 600–850 °C effectively enhance pozzolanic activity; and (3) combining the minimum paste thickness theory with additives such as water reducers, fibers, or biochar enables high-performance and low-carbon concrete design. This review provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation and technical pathway for the high-value utilization of river sediments, carbon reduction in concrete, and sustainable resource recycling. Full article

Saline–alkali soils in southern Xinjiang present significant challenges for sustainable jujube cultivation, necessitating innovative fertilization strategies to improve soil health and enhance fruit quality. This study investigated the synergistic effects of biochar–nitrogen (N) co-application on soil amelioration and the improvement of jujube quality in saline–alkali jujube orchards. A field experiment was conducted using different biochar application rates (0, BC1, BC2) combined with various N fertilizer types (conventional nitrogen N1, N2, UI-N (urease inhibitor), and NI-N (nitrification inhibitor)), which systematically analyzed soil physicochemical properties, nutrient dynamics, enzyme activities, microbial community structure, and jujube fruit yield and quality parameters. The BC1 biochar application rate emerged as the optimal threshold for soil carbon and N sequestration, with BC1 + N2 treatment achieving the highest total carbon and total nitrogen concentrations, representing increases of 12.4% and 21.42%, respectively, compared to controls. Biochar–N co-application significantly enhanced soil available nutrients, with BC1 + UI-N treatment producing the greatest soil organic matter increase within the BC1 group (9.20–14.51% enhancement). Notably, the treatments modulated soil microelement profiles, suppressing potentially toxic Cu and Mn while enhancing the availability of beneficial Mg and Fe. Soil enzyme activities responded differently, with urease and sucrase activities reaching maximum levels under BC2 + N1 and BC1 + UI-N treatments, respectively. Microbial community analysis revealed that biochar–N combinations significantly restructured both bacterial and fungal communities, with BC1 + NI-N treatment demonstrating superior bacterial α-diversity across all indices. Soil enzyme activities exhibited distinct response patterns, with urease and sucrase activities reaching their peak under the BC2 + N1 and BC1 + UI-N treatments, respectively. Moreover, the co-application of biochar (BC1) with N fertilizer significantly improved fruit performance, increasing per-tree yield by 24.23% and fruit vitamin C content by 16.47%, compared to the control. This study demonstrates that moderate biochar application (BC1) combined with urease inhibitor- enhanced N fertilizer (UI-N) represents an optimal fertilization strategy for saline–alkali jujube orchards, achieving simultaneous soil amelioration and fruit quality enhancement through coordinated regulation of soil–microbe–plant interactions. The established quantitative relationships provide a scientific foundation for the implementation of precision agriculture in arid saline–alkali regions, offering significant implications for sustainable specialty fruit production and soil health restoration in environmentally challenged agricultural systems. Full article

Standardized pharmaceutical-grade cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. increasingly relies on soilless systems for precision, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance. This review examines the role of inert and semi-inert growing media in indoor cannabis production, focusing on their physical properties, agronomic performance, and sustainability. A systematic literature search was conducted using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, emphasizing peer-reviewed original research, experimental trials, and relevant review articles. Evaluated substrates include rockwool, coconut coir, peat-based blends, perlite, vermiculite, expanded clay, foamed glass, phenolic foam, and biochar. Findings show that substrate selection strongly affects vegetative growth, rooting, and flower yield, while cannabinoid concentrations remain primarily genotype-driven under stable environmental and nutritional conditions. Substrate-specific traits such as aeration, water-holding capacity, and nutrient buffering significantly influence biomass production and resource-use efficiency. Rockwool remains the industry standard due to its uniformity and compatibility with fertigation systems, but renewable alternatives like coconut coir and biochar are gaining traction. This review underscores the importance of substrate selection in cannabis cultivation and identifies research gaps in genotype-specific responses and the development of sustainable growing media. Full article

The urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift towards renewable energy has increased attention on biochar as a viable negative emission strategy. This review assesses the potential of biochar produced from organic and waste biomass via thermochemical processes—including pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal carbonization—to address climate and energy challenges. Recent advances in biochar production are critically examined, highlighting how process design controls improve key properties such as carbon stability, atomic ratios, porosity, and energy density. These factors influence biochar’s performance in carbon sequestration and its utility across industrial sectors, ranging from agriculture and construction to energy generation and carbon capture systems. Results indicate that large-scale adoption of biochar could lower carbon emissions, enhance soil fertility, and produce renewable fuels like hydrogen, while also benefiting circular economy initiatives. However, obstacles remain, including economic costs, feedstock logistics, process optimization, and potential environmental or social impacts. This review underscores that unlocking biochar’s full promise will require interdisciplinary research, robust quality standards, and supportive policies. With integrated efforts across science, industry, and policy, biochar can serve as an effective and sustainable technology for emission reduction and contribute significantly to global carbon neutrality goals. Full article