Modified biochar for removal of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in the aqueous environment: A review

Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have become a severe environmental issue due to their widespread use in medicine and animal agriculture. Biochar is one of the efficient ways to combat pollution since it acts as a green adsorbent. However, the original biochar's adsorption capability needs to be improved to remedy the existing water pollution problem, and the difficulties of recycling it will lead to secondary contamination and drive up the cost of the solution. This means the original biochar must be altered to increase its adsorption capacity. This study provides a concise overview of the process of bacterial resistance and its transmission route from the perspective of environmental risk. Then it introduces the current mainstream modification methods. This study evaluated the pre- and post-modification biochar adsorption effects on several antibiotics and ARGs and the adsorption process and influencing factors. In conclusion, the benefits and drawbacks of employing modified biochar to control antibiotics and ARGs in water were proposed. Potential future uses for modified biochar are vast. This review article was written to serve as a resource for those interested in using modified biochar to remove antibiotics and ARGs.