Biochar for Environmental Remediation

Biochar for Environmental Remediation: Principles, Applications, and Prospects synthesizes state-of-the-art knowledge on biochar-based systems for environmental remediation. This book examines a wide variety of biochar applications for the remediation of inorganic, organic, microbial, and emerging contaminants in various environmental media, including drinking water, industrial wastewater, urban stormwater, industrial and indoor air pollution, and contaminated lands and soils.

An increasing body of evidence shows that biochars have potential applications in environmental remediation of contaminants in soils, aqueous systems, and air pollution control. This book uses a systematic approach, covering biochar preparation, properties and characteristics, removal mechanisms, industrial applications, regeneration and disposal of spent biochar, life cycle analysis, and environmental and human health risks. Researchers, engineers, and graduate students will find this to be a valuable reference for understanding opportunities for the use of biochar in environmental remediation as it fills the gaps in existing literature and offers a clear roadmap to guide future research.

Title of Book
Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
List of contributors
Preface
1 Motivation: the case for biochar in environmental remediation
2 Novel aspects of the book
3 The book at a glance: layout and content
4 Target audience
Acknowledgments
Part 1: Biochar technology: fundamental principles
Chapter 1. Biochar for environmental remediation at a glance: principles, applications, and prospects
Abstract
Chapter outline
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Purpose, motivation, and novelty
1.3 The book at a glance: layout and content
1.4 Future perspectives and prospects
1.5 Summary and concluding remarks
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 2. Feedstocks, preparation, and characteristics of pristine biochars
Abstract
Chapter outline
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Types of biomass feedstocks for biochar preparation
2.3 Biomass quantification approaches
2.4 Preparation of biochar
2.5 Biochar physicochemical properties and characterization techniques
2.6 Functional characterization
2.7 Applications of biochar
2.8 Summary and outlook
References
Chapter 3. Development of novel engineered/functionalized biochars
Abstract
Chapter outline
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Biochar synthesis routes
3.3 Activation techniques
3.4 Environmental remediation applications
3.5 Novel characteristics of engineered biochars
3.6 Contaminant removal mechanisms
3.7 Economic feasibility studies of biochar production and application
3.8 Future outlook and conclusion
References
Chapter 4. Design, characterization, and evaluation of biochar: recent advances, applications, and future research directions
Abstract
Chapter outline
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Characterization of biochar and biochar-contaminant systems
4.3 Design and evaluation of biochar systems
4.4 Future perspectives and research directions
4.5 Conclusions
References
Chapter 5. Harnessing biochar for sustainable catalysis in environmental applications
Abstract
Chapter outline
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Nature of biochar catalysts
5.3 Preparation and characterization of biochar catalysts
5.4 Mechanisms of biochar catalysis
5.5 Biochar catalysts regeneration
5.6 Environmental applications of biochar catalysis
5.7 Future research directions
5.8 Conclusions
AI Disclosure
References
Part 2: Biochar for contaminated land remediation
Chapter 6. Biochar remediation of inorganic contaminants in soils
Abstract
Chapter outline
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Occurrence of inorganic contaminants in soils
6.3 Biochar removal of inorganic contaminants
6.4 Large-scale remediation of inorganics by biochars
6.5 Mechanisms for biochar removal of inorganic contaminants in soils
6.6 Factors affecting capacity of biochar in soil remediation
6.7 Behavior and the fate of contaminants in biochar-amended soils
6.8 Conclusion and outlook
References
Chapter 7. Biochars for the remediation and repurposing of postmining landscapes and metalliferous substrates: applications and future perspectives
Abstract
Chapter outline
7.1 Introduction
7.2 The case for biochar-based land remediation
7.3 The nature and extent of contaminated lands
7.4 Biochar-based remediation of contaminated lands
7.5 Future research and perspectives
7.6 Conclusions and outlook
References
Chapter 8. Biochar remediation of conventional and emerging organic contaminants in soils
Abstract
Chapter outline
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Conventional organic contaminants
8.3 Emerging organic contaminants
8.4 Biochar removal of conventional and emerging organic contaminants from contaminated soils
8.5 Biochar removal mechanisms of organic contaminants in soils
8.6 Behavior and fate of organic contaminants in soils
8.7 Fate of biochar after organic contaminants removal
8.8 Biochar and other soil remediation methods
8.9 Challenges and opportunities of biochar in removal of organic pollutants
8.10 Conclusion
References
Chapter 9. Biochar for remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil, sediments, and sludge
Abstract
Chapter outline
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Petroleum hydrocarbons in soil, sediments, and sludges
9.3 Biochar for remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soils, sediments, and sludges
9.4 Ecotoxicity and health risks of biochar-remediated solid matrices
9.5 Future perspectives and directions
9.6 Conclusions
References
Part 3: Biochar for water and wastewater treatment
Chapter 10. Removal of contaminants in drinking water using biochars
Abstract
Chapter outline
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Removal of inorganic contaminants
10.3 Removal of organic contaminants
10.4 Removal of microbial contaminants
10.5 Conceptual designs of biochar water filters
10.6 Efficient disposal management of spent biochars
10.7 Large scale/field applications of biochar in Africa
10.8 Future perspectives and conclusion
References
Chapter 11. Biowaste-derived biochars for treatment of wastewater contaminated by dyes
Abstract
Chapter outline
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Biowaste-derived biochar
11.3 Applications and performance
11.4 Regeneration and reuse
11.5 Future directions and conclusion
Disclosure statements
Consent to publish
Conflict of interest
Funding
Compliance with ethical standards
Data availability
References
Chapter 12. Removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in environmental matrices by biochars: mechanisms, fate, and research needs
Abstract
Chapter outline
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Occurrence of PFAS and its sources in different environmental matrices
12.3 Remediation and treatment methods and processes of PFAS in the environment
12.4 Biochar production processes and its usage for removal of PFAS in the environmental matrices
12.5 Existing regulations on the PFAS in the environmental matrices and use of biochar
12.6 Knowledge gaps, future research needs, and concluding remarks
References
Chapter 13. Application of biochar for the treatment of urban stormwater: processes and future directions
Abstract
Chapter outline
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Urban stormwater challenges
13.3 Role of biochar in stormwater management
13.4 Versatile sorption of contaminants and contaminant-specific adsorption
13.5 Influence of solution chemistry on adsorption
13.6 Urban stormwater contaminants
13.7 Treating emerging contaminants with biochar
13.8 Fate and behavior of contaminants in stormwater
13.9 Biochar catalytic reactions
13.10 Mechanisms of contaminant removal from stormwater using biochars
13.11 Microbial interactions
13.12 Catalytic degradation
13.13 Adsorption capacity and selectivity
13.14 Pivotal role of biochar in influencing soil structure and water retention
13.15 Challenges and considerations of biochar for treating stormwater
13.16 Environmental implications of using biochar for treating stormwater
13.17 Future directions
13.18 Conclusion
References
Chapter 14. Treatment of industrial and municipal wastewaters using biochar: performance, mechanisms, and research needs
Abstract
Chapter outline
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Wastewater treatment
14.3 Biochar technology in wastewater treatment
14.4 Type of wastewater treated by biochar
14.5 Industrial wastewater treatment
14.6 Municipal wastewater treatment
14.7 Adsorption of inorganic pollutants onto biochar in wastewater
14.8 Adsorption of organic pollutants onto biochar in wastewater
14.9 Adsorption mechanisms of biochar for inorganic pollutants in wastewater
14.10 Adsorption mechanisms of biochar for organic pollutants in wastewater
14.11 Some applications of biochar for wastewater treatment
14.12 Current and emerging constraints and gaps
14.13 Future research in biochar application for wastewater treatment
14.14 Conclusion
References
Part 4: Biochar sytems for clean and renewable energy
Chapter 15. Electrochemical properties of biochar for environmental applications: advances, challenges, and perspectives
Abstract
Chapter outline
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Electrochemical properties of biochar
15.3 Environmental applications of biochar
15.4 Direct interspecies electron transfer pathways
15.5 Challenges
15.6 Future perspectives
15.7 Conclusion
References
Chapter 16. Biochar in bioelectrochemical systems: applications and future directions
Abstract
Chapter outline
16.1 Introduction
16.2 Materials and methods
16.3 Constraints and limitations of bioelectrochemical systems
16.4 Biochar properties and their potential applications in microbial fuel cells
16.5 Performance and Mechanisms of biochar function in microbial fuel cells
16.6 Future directions and perspectives
16.7 Conclusions
Acknowledgment
References
Chapter 17. Thermochemical treatment of human excreta to energy and biochar: recent advances, applications, and future directions
Abstract
Chapter outline
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Human excreta as an energy feedstock
17.3 Thermochemical conversion
17.4 Current state of applications
17.5 Future research directions and conclusions
References
Part 5: Biochar systems for air pollution control
Chapter 18. Clean and efficient biochar cookstoves for mitigation of indoor air pollution
Abstract
Chapter outline
18.1 Introduction
18.2 Understanding indoor air pollution
18.3 Sources of indoor air pollution
18.4 Biochar cookstoves: an innovative solution
18.5 The evolution of cookstove technology
18.6 Types and designs of biochar cookstoves
18.7 Biochar cookstoves: efficiency and emission reduction potential
18.8 Biochar cookstoves as a multifaceted solution for low-income settings
18.9 Environmental benefits of biochar cookstoves
18.10 Challenges and solutions
18.11 Case studies and success stories
18.12 Future directions and innovations
18.13 Conclusion
18.14 AI disclosure
References
Chapter 19. Biochars for the removal of toxic gaseous contaminants: state-of-the-art and future directions
Abstract
Chapter outline
19.1 Introduction
19.2 Sources of toxic gaseous contaminants
19.3 The need for gaseous contaminant removal
19.4 Removal of toxic gaseous contaminants from air/flue gases
19.5 Biochar properties and mechanisms for toxic gaseous contaminant removal
19.6 Engineered biochars for enhanced gaseous contaminants removal
19.7 Regeneration of spent biochars
19.8 Future directions and recommendations
19.9 Conclusion
References
Part 6: Assessment of biochar systems
Chapter 20. Regeneration, recycling, and disposal of spent biochars
Abstract
Chapter outline
20.1 Introduction
20.2 Regeneration of spent biochars
20.3 Reuse, recycling, and disposal of spent biochar for a circular economy and environmental sustainability
20.4 Behavior and fate of contaminants in spent biochar
20.5 Summary and future research directions
References
Chapter 21. Life cycle assessment for biochar systems: a review
Abstract
Chapter outline
21.1 Introduction
21.2 Life cycle assessment as a sustainability tool
21.3 Comparative life cycle assessment of biochar production systems
21.4 Goal and scope definition
21.5 Life cycle inventory
21.6 Life cycle impact assessment
21.7 Conclusion
References
Chapter 22. Potential environmental and human health risks of biochar systems: a call for comprehensive health risk assessments
Abstract
Chapter outline
22.1 Introduction
22.2 Environmental health risks
22.3 Human exposure and health risks
22.4 A call for health risk assessments and mitigation
22.6 Conclusions and outlook
References
Chapter 23. Techno-economic assessment of biochar systems: state-of-the-art and future research directions
Abstract
Chapter outline
23.1 Introduction
23.2 Techno-economic assessment of biochar systems: tools and evidence
23.3 Key factors influencing techno-economic feasibility of biochar
23.4 Challenges in techno-economic assessments of biochar systems
23.5 Discussion and future perspectives
23.6 Conclusion
References
Part 7: Looking ahead: future perspectives and epilogue
Chapter 24. Biochar for environmental remediation and beyond: a “twin or multiple solutions” heuristic framework for uptake, adoption, and impact
Abstract
Chapter outline
24.1 Introduction
24.2 The biochar “twin or multiple solutions” framework
24.3 Discussion and perspectives
24.4 Concluding remarks and outlook
Acknowledgments
Declaration of conflict of interest
References
Chapter 25. Moving ahead with biochar for environmental remediation and beyond: future research directions, roadmap, and epilogue
Abstract
Chapter outline
25.1 Introduction
25.2 Biochar for environmental remediation: a synoptic overview of the state-of-the-art
25.3 Looking ahead: future research directions and perspectives
25.4 Advancing biochar for environmental remediation: a conceptual roadmap
25.5 Epilogue and outlook
Acknowledgments
Declaration of conflict of interest
References
Index

Life Sciences

Physical Sciences & Engineering

Social Sciences & Humanities

Health

Biochar for Environmental Remediation

Principles, Applications, and Prospects

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Willis Gwenzi