Nano-biochar: A novel solution for sustainable agriculture and environmental remediation

Currently, the applications of biochar (BC) in agricultural practices and for environmental remediation purposes have demonstrated multifaceted advantages despite a few limitations. Nano-BC offers considerable opportunities especially for the remediation of hazardous contaminants as well as the improvement of crop productivity. Positive outcomes of nano-BC on soil physico-chemical and biological characteristics have indicated its suitability for agricultural applications. Nano-BC may effectively regulate the mobilization and sorption of important micro- and macro-nutrients, along with the hazardous contaminants including potentially toxic metals, pesticides, etc. Additionally, the sorption characteristics of nano-BC depends substantially on feedstock materials and pyrolysis temperatures. Nevertheless, the conducted investigations regarding nano-BC are in infant stages, requiring extensive field investigations. The nano-enhanced properties of BC on one hand dramatically improve its effectiveness and sustainability, on the other hand, there may be associated with toxicity development in diverse aquatic and/or terrestrial environments. Therefore, risk assessment on soil organisms and its indirect impact on human health is another area of concern linked with the field application of nano-BC. The present review delineates the potentiality of nano-BC as an emerging sorbent for sustainable agriculture and environmental applications.