Life cycle assessment of biochar as a green sorbent for soil remediation

Abstract

The study explores the essential role of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in assessing the environmental sustainability impacts of biochar as a green sorbent in soil remediation. Recent studies from 2021 to 2023 underscore biochar's potential for global warming mitigation and carbon sequestration. The review discusses various concerns related to biochar-to-soil LCA, including its effects on heavy metals and pesticides in soils, the necessity for additional research on application frequency for pollutant sorption, impacts on real/different soil carbon stocks, variability in biochar properties, limited long-term studies, potential health implications, and incomplete assessment of pollutant dynamics, considering different biochar production methods and soil surface albedo. Advocating for LCAs for other green sorbents, such as low-cost clay, chitosan, and green nano-sorbents, is essential. Additionally, the integration of multiple green remediation techniques is proposed to enhance overall efficiency in soil and environmental remediation practices.