Advancements in biochar-catalyzed peroxides for water decontamination: A future perspective on addressing antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Vol. 496; p. 153698
• Main Authors: Wu, Yang, Bai, Jia-wen, Wang, Xuan, Yu, Chang-Ping, Hu, Zhi-qiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.09.2024
• Subjects: Antibiotics; ARGs; Biochar; Engineering application; Peroxides; Removal mechanism; Peroxides; Removal mechanism; Engineering application; ARGs; Antibiotics; Biochar
• ISSN: 1385-8947
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.153698

[Display omitted] •Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment.•BC-catalyzed peroxides demonstrate high efficacy in the removal of antibiotics and ARGs.•BC-based catalytic removal mechanisms are systematically summarized.•The challenges of BC-catalyzed peroxides technology facing currently are discussed.•Future recommendations are suggested for scaling-up the use of BC-based catalyst. The increasing contamination of water bodies with antibiotics, along with the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), poses a significant threat to both ecological systems and human well-being. Hence, the adoption of advanced materials for water treatment has become imperative. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich material derived from biomass, possesses a large surface area, porosity, and functional groups. These attributes render it a promising candidate for use as a catalyst or catalytic support in the elimination of these emerging pollutants. This review explores the capacity of waste biomass-derived BC in catalyzing peroxides for the removal of antibiotics and ARGs. It includes a meticulous analysis of various biomass sources suitable for BC production, examines the influence of pyrolysis conditions on BC’s properties, summarizes the removal efficacy of BC-activated peroxides on antibiotics and ARGs, and reviews different modification techniques that improve its catalytic performance. Furthermore, the review delves into the underlying mechanisms that facilitate the catalytic removal of antibiotics and ARGs. Moreover, this review seeks to connect experimental research with industrial implementation by pinpointing the key challenges that need to be addressed. It examines the advantages of using BC for this purpose, in addition to addressing its limitations, such as potential secondary pollution from BC-based catalysts. The applicability of BC-based catalysts in real-world water treatment systems, as well as their economic viability, is also discussed. Finally, the review proposes future research directions to foster the development of sustainable BC-based catalytic technologies for water treatment. By addressing these key issues, this review offers valuable insights for translating the potential of BC into practical and effective use for treating antibiotic/ARG-contaminated water.