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A Review on the Role of Biochar in Mitigating Microplastic Threats in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems with Emphasis on Animal Implications
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Seyedeh Bahareh Azimi Dr. *   , Azadeh Safadoust Dr. , Nadia Babaei Dr. |
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Abstract: (491 Views) |
The uncontrolled and increasing proliferation of microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic and terrestrial environments has emerged as one of the most complex and pervasive environmental challenges of the 21st century. These microscopic particles not only alter the physicochemical properties of ecosystems, but may also affect organism health across multiple trophic levels through food chain transfer, bioaccumulation, and trophic magnification processes. Among emerging mitigation strategies, biochar has gained considerable attention as a sustainable, cost-effective, and circular-economy–oriented adsorbent material. Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions. Owing to its porous structure, high specific surface area, and abundance of reactive surface functional groups, biochar exhibits substantial capacity for the adsorption, immobilization, and toxicity mitigation of microplastics. During pyrolysis, aliphatic carbon structures are transformed into more stable aromatic carbon forms along with combustible gases (H2, CH4, CO), enhancing the structural stability and environmental persistence of biochar. This review adopts an analytical perspective to examine the physicochemical mechanisms underlying microplastic removal by biochar, its interactions in soil and aquatic systems, and the potential biological implications for animal ecosystems. The findings indicate that physical entrapment within micropores, electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic forces, π–π interactions, and aggregation–sedimentation processes collectively contribute to reducing microplastic mobility and environmental availability. Furthermore, biochar application in soils may indirectly reduce exposure of soil and aquatic fauna by modifying physicochemical properties, decreasing microplastic bioavailability, enhancing enzymatic activity, and reshaping microbial community structure. However, most existing evidence is derived from laboratory-scale studies, while long-term field data and direct in vivo investigations on ecological impacts in animal systems remain limited. Additional concerns include biochar aging, potential re-release of adsorbed contaminants, and challenges related to large-scale industrial implementation. Overall, biochar represents a promising strategy for mitigating microplastic-related environmental risks. Nevertheless, comprehensive field validation, long-term ecosystem-level assessments, and predictive modeling of biochar–microplastic interactions remain critical priorities for future research. |
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| Keywords: Ecosystem, Pollution, Biochar, Environment, Microplastic |
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Full-Text [PDF 930 kb]
(206 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/05/8 | Accepted: 2026/01/30 | Published: 2026/06/5
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