Use of microbially functionalized biochars to accelerate bioremediation of contaminated soils

Microbiochar addresses the microbiological decontamination of soils contaminated with heavy metals (focusing especially on Pb, Cu and Cd) and organics (polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and phthalic acid esters) as well as complex mixtures of several of these contaminants. The concept of Microbiochar is to use biochar, obtained from pyrolysis of organic agricultural or forestry waste as a facilitator of decontamination. The full potential of this approach will be achieved by “functionalizing” biochar through the addition of micro-organisms to the biochar and use this functionalized biochar to improve bioremediation. Micro-organisms that are particularly efficient for remediation will be selected in the project. Experimental work will be conducted at different scales from pot experiments in the laboratory to field experiments that are comparable to relevant environment. State-of-the-art microbiological and molecular methods will be used to elucidate the mechanisms of biochar-aided remediation. Life cycle analysis and cost benefit analysis will quantify the scalability and compare the overall effectiveness of the approach in real large-scale remediation projects. We will conduct socio-economic analyses to embed stakeholder experiences and preferences to the proposed solutions and to explore the value chain of the biochar-aided remediation. The project will compare different legal and environmental governance requirements for biochar-aided remediation both in selected EU countries and in China. The project puts special emphasis on dissemination, exploitation and communication of the various results from our innovative approach including multiple stakeholder groups from the private and the public sector as well as the general public and policymakers.