Soil contamination poses escalating risks to ecosystems and public health through persistent pollutants such as heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, lead), emerging contaminants (e.g., pharmaceuticals, microplastics), and colloidal-sized pollutants (e.g., phosphorus-laden colloids, organic-mineral complexes). These pollutants bioaccumulate and disrupt the ecological balance, either in colloidal or non-colloidal fractions, exhibiting high mobility, and driving non-point source pollution in aquatic systems. Biochar, a pyrolytic carbon material, has emerged as a sustainable solution due to its tunable porosity, functionalized surfaces, and dual capacity for contaminant immobilization and soil health improvement. Recent advances highlight its ability to adsorb diverse pollutants while enhancing carbon sequestration. This Research Topic explores cutting-edge innovations in biochar synthesis, modification, and field-scale deployment, bridging gaps between mechanistic studies and practical remediation strategies. By integrating interdisciplinary approaches, we aim to advance scalable, eco-friendly contamination management.

The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight the latest developments in biochar synthesis and its application for the remediation of soil pollutants. We aim to address the challenges associated with the removal and immobilization of a wide range of contaminants, including emerging pollutants (e.g., pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and industrial chemicals), heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, lead, and arsenic), and colloidal-sized pollutants (e.g., phosphorus-laden colloids, nano/microplastics, and organic-mineral complexes). This Research Topic will explore innovative approaches to biochar production, modification, and characterization, as well as its mechanisms of interaction with various pollutants in soil environments. By bringing together research from diverse fields, we seek to advance our understanding of how biochar can be optimized for large-scale soil remediation, contributing to sustainable environmental management and pollution control.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions that address the synthesis, characterization, and application of biochar for the remediation of emerging pollutants and heavy metals in soils. We encourage submissions that focus on:
1. Novel synthesis and modification techniques to enhance biochar's adsorption capacity for diverse soil contaminants.
2. Mechanisms and efficiency of biochar in immobilizing diverse soil contaminants, including colloid-size fractions (1-1000 nm).
3. Molecular-scale interactions between biochar and contaminants, investigated through advanced characterization methods.
4. Laboratory- and field validation studies evaluating biochar performance under real-world conditions, including long-term stability and ecological impacts.
5. Biochar-mediated effects on soil microbiome functionality and plant growth in contaminated systems.
6. Data-driven approaches (machine learning, predictive modeling) for optimizing biochar synthesis and application strategies.

We welcome original research articles, review papers, and methodological papers that contribute to these topics. Manuscripts should provide novel insights, rigorous data, and practical implications for advancing biochar-based pollution remediation strategies.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Recent Advances in Biochar Synthesis for Remediation of Soil Contamination