Systematization of the impact of wastewater on society and the application of biochar as an alternative to the current crisis

Abstract

Biochar is an effective agent for wastewater treatment, soil remediation and gas retention.  This review article reports research on biochar production, technology and application in wastewater treatment. There are different types of biochar production technologies, which emphasize pre-treatment and post-treatment of the feedstock. Biochar is used as an adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals, organic pollutants, nitrogen and phosphorus found in wastewater.   When a biochar is modified in its original particles, it can achieve a better adsorption capacity, since its surface area increases and its pore structure is improved.  In the first instance, this review article focuses on the evaluation of biochar as a technology for the treatment of industrial, municipal and agricultural wastewater. Future challenges in the search for technologies to design an engineered, modified biochar and its application in the removal of pathogens from wastewater would be under discussion. Based on this review article, it can be concluded that biochar represents a new sustainable technology, and that it provides an economical solution for wastewater treatment.