Effectiveness of iron Nanoparticle-Functionalized biochar in the stabilization and breakdown of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated soil: A comprehensive environmental and agronomic evaluation

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.