Effects and mechanisms of biochar-microbe interactions in soil improvement and pollution remediation: A review

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) Vol. 227; pp. 98 - 115
• Main Authors: Zhu, Xiaomin, Chen, Baoliang, Zhu, Lizhong, Xing, Baoshan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2017
• Subjects: Adsorption; biochar; Biochar amendment; Carbon; Carbon sequestration; Charcoal - chemistry; community structure; Contaminant mitigation; Ecosystem; Environmental Restoration and Remediation - methods; enzyme activity; habitats; heavy metals; hydrolysis; Interaction mechanisms; Metals, Heavy - analysis; microbial activity; microbial communities; Microbial community; Organic Chemicals; organic compounds; Soil - chemistry; soil aggregates; soil enzymes; soil fertility; Soil improvement; soil microorganisms; soil organic matter; Soil Pollutants - analysis; Soil Pollutants - chemistry; soil pollution; soil properties; soil remediation; toxicity; Soil improvement; Contaminant mitigation; Interaction mechanisms; Carbon sequestration; Microbial community; Biochar amendment
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.032

Biochars have attracted tremendous attention due to their effects on soil improvement; they enhance carbon storage, soil fertility and quality, and contaminant (organic and heavy metal) immobilization and transformation. These effects could be achieved by modifying soil microbial habitats and (or) directly influencing microbial metabolisms, which together induce changes in microbial activity and microbial community structures. This review links microbial responses, including microbial activity, community structures and soil enzyme activities, with changes in soil properties caused by biochars. In particular, we summarized possible mechanisms that are involved in the effects that biochar-microbe interactions have on soil carbon sequestration and pollution remediation. Special attention has been paid to biochar effects on the formation and protection of soil aggregates, biochar adsorption of contaminants, biochar-mediated transformation of soil contaminants by microorganisms, and biochar-facilitated electron transfer between microbial cells and contaminants and soil organic matter. Certain reactive organic compounds and heavy metals in biochar may induce toxicity to soil microorganisms. Adsorption and hydrolysis of signaling molecules by biochar interrupts microbial interspecific communications, potentially altering soil microbial community structures. Further research is urged to verify the proposed mechanisms involved in biochar-microbiota interactions for soil remediation and improvement. [Display omitted] •Biochar-microbial interactions and mechanisms in soil were reviewed.•Effect mechanisms of biochar on microbial activities were highlighted.•Biochar altered soil carbon sequestration related microbial functions.•Biochar as electron shuttle can enhance contaminant mitigation and remediation.•Potential biochar-microbial interactions on soil improvement were prospected. The interaction mechanisms between biochar and soil microbes and the environmental effects of biochar-microbe interactions on soil carbon sequestration and contaminant mitigation are reviewed.