Work

Biochar Particle Size Modulates the Microbial Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Contaminated Soil

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Petroleum hydrocarbons are pervasive soil pollutants that detrimentally affect the soil structure, nutrients, and microbial ecosystems. However, the effect of biochar particle size on the remediation effectiveness remains a critical, unresolved parameter. Here, a soil remediation experiment was conducted to evaluate the synergy between biochars of different particle sizes and nutrient addition. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) were quantified gravimetrically, and specific hydrocarbon fractions were analysed via gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) while the microbial community composition was analysed via high-throughput sequencing. The results revealed that granular bulrush straw biochar (0.85 mm) with nutrients achieved the greatest TPH degradation (73.35%), significantly outperforming both powder biochar and soybean straw biochar. This enhanced remediation was associated with a significant shift in the microbial community (p < 0.05), characterized by substantial increases in hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, particularly Actinobacteria and the genus Mycobacterium. This study revealed that the synergistic application of granular biochar and nutrients is a highly effective, nature-based strategy for petroleum-contaminated soil, which functions by resolving a critical biochar parameter to enhance key microbial degraders.

Source: Agronomy

DOI: 10.3390/agronomy15122874

Authors: Yanjie Wang, Qiong Wang, Meijuan Wang, Haiqing Lei, Jiabo Chen

Institutions: Liaoning Shihua University, Lishui Vocational and Technical College, Zhejiang University of Water Resource and Electric Power

Language: English

Topic: Microbial bioremediation and biosurfactants

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Clean water and sanitation, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137