Insights into Biochar Applications: A Sustainable Strategy toward Carbon Neutrality and Circular Economy
Riti Thapar Kapoor, Parvaiz Ahmad, Mohd Rafatullah
Abstract
Biochar, a sustainable solid material derived from biomass pyrolysis has been emerged as a promising solution for removal of soil contaminants and soil carbon sequestration. Biochar, a carbon-negative waste biomass-derived material has shown both soil and non-soil applications to combat climate change for achieving carbon neutrality. Biochar can significantly sequester carbon-dioxide in the soil. The presence of biochar in soil can enhance water retention and nutrient use efficiency, promotes plant growth, waste recycling, microbial diversity, suppress activities of pathogens, lowers the need of fertilizer and irrigation frequency and minimizes emission of greenhouse gases. As a non-soil application, biochar can be used as green catalyst in biorefinery, removal of organic and inorganic contaminants, construction industry, carbon capture and energy storage etc. Thus, present book chapter highlights transformation of waste biomass into biochar which has been emerged as a multi-win strategy which can potentially address climate change challenges by pollution abatement, promote closed loop economy approach and environmental sustainability.