Bamboo biochar as a sustainable technology to address arsenic pollution: A review

The rising levels of arsenic (As) concentration in water and soil pose a global concern for human health and for the environment. One potential cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to mitigate this toxic metalloid is to use the adsorption properties of biochar derived from plant biomass. Over the past decade, different studies on the use of bamboo biochar for As removal have gained traction due to its sustainable attributes. However, to date, no review has specifically focused on analyzing the potential of bamboo as a biochar for remediating As-polluted soil and water. This work provides a comprehensive review of articles published during the last decade on the potential of bamboo biochar as an efficient technology for As removal from water and soil. Different groups have shown As(III) and As(V) adsorption by bamboo biochar, revealing high rates of As removal, particularly in aqueous systems. Moreover, due to its cellular composition, bamboo offers significant As adsorption qualities, including short equilibrium times. We also discuss key factors influencing the performance of bamboo biochar As removal, such as surface modification, among others. We hope that this comprehensive review will help to identify challenges in the field and overcome research gaps that could position bamboo biochar as a viable and environmentally friendly alternative for achieving As-free water and soil.