Bioremediation strategies with biochar for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)-contaminated soils: A review

Soheil Valizadeh; Sang Soo Lee; Kitae Baek; Yong Jun Choi; Byong-Hun Jeon; Gwang Hoon Rhee; Kun-Yi Andrew Lin; Young-Kwon Park

doi:10.1016/j.envres.2021.111757

Bioremediation strategies with biochar for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)-contaminated soils: A review

Environ Res. 2021 Sep:200:111757. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111757. Epub 2021 Jul 23.

Authors

Soheil Valizadeh¹, Sang Soo Lee², Kitae Baek³, Yong Jun Choi¹, Byong-Hun Jeon⁴, Gwang Hoon Rhee⁵, Kun-Yi Andrew Lin⁶, Young-Kwon Park⁷

Affiliations

¹ School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea.
² Department of Environmental & Energy Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea.
³ Department of Environment & Energy (BK21 FOUR) and Soil Environment Research Center, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabukdo 54896, Republic of Korea.
⁴ Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
⁵ Department of Mechanical and Information Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea.
⁶ Department of Environmental Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo-Kuang Road, Taichung, Taiwan.
⁷ School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: catalica@uos.ac.kr.

PMID: 34303678
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111757

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are hazardous organic contaminants threatening human health and environmental safety due to their toxicity and carcinogenicity. Biochar (BC) is an eco-friendly carbonaceous material that can extensively be utilized for the remediation of PCBs-contaminated soils. In the last decade, many studies reported that BC is beneficial for soil quality enhancement and agricultural productivity based on its physicochemical characteristics. In this review, the potential of BC application in PCBs-contaminated soils is elaborated as biological strategies (e.g., bioremediation and phytoremediation) and specific mechanisms are also comprehensively demonstrated. Further, the synergy effects of BC application on PCBs-contaminated soils are discussed, in view of eco-friendly, beneficial, and productive aspects.

Keywords: Biochar; Bioremediation; PCBs; Phytoremediation; Soil remediation.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Biodegradation, Environmental
Charcoal
Polychlorinated Biphenyls* / analysis
Soil
Soil Pollutants* / analysis

Substances

Soil
Soil Pollutants
biochar
Charcoal
Polychlorinated Biphenyls