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Recent Development of Algal Biochar for Contaminant Remediation and Energy Application: A State-of-the Art Review

  • Water and Sediment Pollution (G Toor, L Nghiem and W Zhang, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Algae, as a low-impact aquatic feedstock, is regarded as a promising biomass for producing valuable biofuel, syngas, and biochar. Algae, on the other hand, are mostly composed of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, as opposed to lignocellulosic biomass. Algal species have a faster growth rate and higher photosynthetic efficiency than terrestrial plants, making them an excellent alternative for a sustainable environment. Algal biomass has shown great promise as a raw material for biochar production in recent years. Algae biochar has a high potential for use as a material for contamination remediation and energy application. This review paper summarizes the applicability of algal biochar, algal biochar modification strategies, fabrication methods, and algal biochar properties. Carbon sequestration, sediment and water treatment, and energy applications are all thoroughly discussed. More emphasis should be placed on practical applications, and more research should be conducted to address existing problems.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the support from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM, and other collaborating universities for this study.

Funding

This research is partially funded by the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) under grant number NCM2021-20–01.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City, 81157, Taiwan

    Thanh-Binh Nguyen & Cheng-Di Dong

  2. Department of Environmental Sciences, Saigon University, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam

    Van-Truc Nguyen

  3. Faculty of Medicine, Dong Nai Technology University, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai, 76100, Vietnam

    Hong-Giang Hoang

  4. Department of Bioenviromental System Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan

    Ngoc-Dan-Thanh Cao

  5. School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, 61005, Gwangju, Korea

    Thanh-Tin Nguyen

  6. Faculty of Environmental and Food Engineering, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Thi-Dieu-Hien Vo

  7. Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Ngoc-Dan-Thanh Cao, Thanh-Tin Nguyen, Ngoc-Kim-Qui Nguyen, Mai-Duy-Thong Pham, Thi-Kim-Quyen Vo & Xuan-Thanh Bui

  8. Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam

    Ngoc-Kim-Qui Nguyen, Mai-Duy-Thong Pham & Xuan-Thanh Bui

  9. Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NWS, 2007, Australia

    Duc-Long Nghiem

  10. Faculty of Biology and Environment - Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry (HUFI), 140 Le Trong Tan Street, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam

    Thi-Kim-Quyen Vo

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Nguyen, TB., Nguyen, VT., Hoang, HG. et al. Recent Development of Algal Biochar for Contaminant Remediation and Energy Application: A State-of-the Art Review. Curr Pollution Rep 9, 73–89 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40726-022-00243-6

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