Effectiveness of Iron Nanoparticle-Functionalized Biochar in the Stabilization and Breakdown of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Contaminated

Abstract

Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich material generated from biomass pyrolysis, has gained significant attention for its capacity to immobilize and remove environmental pollutants. Although biochar interacts extensively with plant roots and rhizosphere microbes, limited information exists on its nanoscale modifications and their influence on contaminant bioavailability. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent persistent soil pollutants that impair crop establishment and productivity. This study evaluates the efficiency of iron nanoparticle-coated biochar (Fe-BC) in stabilizing and degrading PAHs in soil and its subsequent effects on rice plant growth. Results demonstrate that Fe-BC effectively reduces PAH bioavailability and enhances early rice plant growth by mitigating toxicity and improving soil physicochemical conditions.