Application of biochar immobilized microorganisms for pollutants removal from wastewater: A review

Microbial immobilization technology (MIT) has been rapidly developed and used to remove pollutants from water/wastewater in recent years, owing to its high stability, rapid reaction rate, and high activity. Microbial immobilization carrier with low cost and high removal efficiency is the key of MIT. Biochar is considered to be an efficient carrier for microbial immobilization because of its high porosity and good adsorption effect, which can provide a habitat for microorganisms. The use of biochar immobilized microorganisms to treat different pollutants in wastewater is a promising treatment method. Compared with the other biological treatment technology, biochar immobilized microorganisms can improve microbial abundance, repeated utilization ratio, microbial metabolic capacity, etc. However, current research on this method is still in its infancy. Little attention has been paid to the interaction mechanisms between biochar and microorganisms, and many studies are only carried out in the laboratory. There are still problems such as difficult recovery after use and secondary pollution caused by residual pollutants after biochar adsorption, which need further clarification. To have comprehensive digestion and an in-depth understanding of biochar immobilized microorganisms technology in wastewater treatment, the wastewater treatment methods based on biochar are firstly summarized in this review. Then the mechanisms of immobilized microorganisms were explored, and the applications of biochar immobilized microorganisms in wastewater were systematically reviewed. Finally, suggestions and perspectives for future research and practical application are put forward.