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Updated: May 13, 2025

Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
Evaluating biochar for adsorption of ammonium nitrogen in wastewater:insights into modifications and mechanisms
Yuheng Zhu1, Sichen Liu1, Hanbo Chen2
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, PR China.
Abstract:
Ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) is a highly recalcitrant pollutant, leading to severe degradation of aquatic ecosystems and posing serious risks to human health. The application of biochar for NH4+ removal from wastewater has gained widespread attention. However, its inherent limitations in adsorption capacity present a significant constraint on its broader practical implementation. To address this limitation, various modification techniques have been developed to endow biochar with a range of physicochemical properties. In this review, a systematic investigation was conducted to assess the efficacy of various modification methods on the adsorptive capacity of biochar for NH4+ in aqueous solutions. Additionally, this review summarizes the adsorption mechanisms which are divided into five categories: hydrogen bonding, pore filling, electrostatic interaction, ion exchange and surface complexation. This review offers valuable insights into the strategies for achieving enhanced adsorption of NH4+ by modified biochar, along with a comprehensive summary of the associated removal mechanisms.
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