Sustainable biochar: A facile strategy for soil and environmental restoration, energy generation, mitigation of global climate change and circular bioeconomy

Abstract

The increasing agro-demands with the burgeoning population lead to the accumulation of lignocellulosic residues. The practice of burning agri-residues has consequences viz. Release of soot and smoke, nutrient depletion, loss of soil microbial diversity, air pollution and hazardous effects on human health. The utilization of agricultural waste as biomass to synthesize biochar and biofuels, is the pertinent approach for attaining sustainable development goals. Biochar contributes in the improvement of soil properties, carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) emission, removal of organic and heavy metal pollutants, production of biofuels, synthesis of useful chemicals and building cementitious materials. The biochar characteristics including surface area, porosity and functional groups vary with the type of biomass consumed in pyrolysis and the control of parameters during the process. The major adsorption mechanisms of biochar involve physical-adsorption, ion-exchange interactions, electrostatic attraction, surface complexation and precipitation. The recent trend of engineered biochar can enhance its surface properties, pH buffering capacity and presence of desired functional groups. This review focuses on the contribution of biochar in attaining sustainable development goals. Hence, it provides a thorough understanding of biochar's importance in enhancing soil productivity, bioremediation of environmental pollutants, carbon negative concretes, mitigation of climate change and generation of bioenergy that amplifies circular bioeconomy, and concomitantly facilitates the fulfilment of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals. The application of biochar as seen is primarily targeting four important SDGs including clean water and sanitation (SGD6), affordable and clean energy (SDG7), responsible consumption and production (SDG12) and climate action (SDG13).

Keywords: Agro-wastes; Biochar; Bioenergy; Climate change mitigation; Soil and environment Management; Sustainable development goals.