Bioremediation

Iron minerals help decide whether dissolved organic matter becomes microbial food or long-term carbon

Engineered biochar could offer a greener path to carbon dioxide capture

New technique measures rare earth metals in living plants, boosting phytomining efforts

Researchers have developed a technique to detect and measure the concentration of rare-earth elements in plants without destroying them. The method uses fluorescence spectroscopy to distinguish between autofluorescence from plant matter and rare-earth element uptake.

New biochar composite tackles arsenic pollution and methane emissions in rice paddies

A new study reports a promising solution to address both arsenic contamination and greenhouse gas emissions in rice paddies using an engineered biochar material enhanced with titanium dioxide. The findings highlight a new strategy to improve food safety while lowering agriculture’s climate footprint.

Biochar acts as a “sorption pump” to curb antibiotic pollution in structured soils

Researchers found that biochar can actively regulate the movement of antibiotics in soil, reducing cumulative fluxes by up to 15%. Biochar creates a concentration gradient at the interface between macropores and surrounding soil, pulling contaminants into the soil matrix for retention.

Magnetic biochar gel offers breakthrough solution for arsenic and antimony contamination in rice fields

A newly developed magnetic biochar material effectively reduces the uptake of arsenic and antimony in rice plants, stabilizing contaminants while supporting plant growth. The study also reveals improvements in plant health, including stronger root systems and reduced physiological stress.

Engineered biochar unlocks soil’s natural chemistry to break down antibiotic pollution

A new study reveals how an advanced iron-modified biochar can harness the natural chemistry of soils to break down persistent antibiotic contaminants. The biochar activates naturally occurring oxygen in soils to generate highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, enabling the in situ degradation of contaminants without external chemical inputs.

Salty soils slow biochar aging but limit beneficial microbes, study finds

Researchers found that increasing soil salinity slows biochar aging and limits microbial colonization. Biochar retains more carbon and shows greater structural stability in saline environments compared to low-salinity conditions.

Seashell saviors: discarded oyster shells can clean polluted water by removing "rare earths"

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that crushed oyster shells can capture and remove rare earth elements from polluted water. The shells trigger a chemical reaction that converts dissolved metals into solid mineral crystals, making them an effective tool for environmental cleanup.

Unlocking the phosphorus puzzle: How microplastics and hydrochar change the way rice paddies feed

A new study reveals that microplastics and hydrochar can mobilize trapped phosphorus in rice paddies, triggering distinct microbial strategies. Hydrochar increased available phosphorus by 21.1%, while microplastics pushed it up by 14.2%.

Biochar and beneficial fungi team up to detoxify toxic red mud and restore soil health

Researchers developed a system combining biochar with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to target specific pollutants in red mud. The results showed that each fungal species played a distinct role in detoxifying arsenic and lead, as well as improving soil health.

Pork bones to the rescue: Healing arsenic-poisoned rice paddies with engineered char

Researchers discover that adding micro- and nano-scale bone char triggers a biological revival in arsenic-contaminated rice paddies, increasing urease and catalase activity and organic carbon levels. The biochar fundamentally alters soil microbiome behavior, reinforcing natural detoxification capacity by shifting microbial gene abundance.

Long-term field study shows biochar delivers dual benefits for soil health and climate mitigation

A 14-year field study shows that biochar can simultaneously reduce heavy metal risks in agricultural soils while enhancing carbon storage. Biochar improved soil carbon storage, reducing toxicity by up to 91 percent and increasing organic carbon content.

Iron, carbon, and the art of toxic cleanup

Researchers at Tongji University have discovered that ferrihydrite is a highly effective mineral in trapping chromium and storing organic carbon. This finding has significant implications for environmental remediation, enabling the development of nature-based solutions to clean up contaminated mine soils while sequestering carbon.

Biochar-based nanotechnology cleans toxic herbicide from soil while protecting crops

Researchers developed a nitrogen-doped biochar-modified zero-valent iron nanocomposite that rapidly removes harmful herbicides from soil and protects crops. The material also triggers the formation of an iron plaque on plant roots, capturing contaminants and improving crop health.

New biochar-based technology boosts antibiotic removal from water using low-energy ultrasound

Researchers developed a novel composite material that combines biochar, carbon nanotubes, and iron carbide, significantly accelerating the breakdown of antibiotics in water. The system achieved up to 15 times higher removal rates compared to conventional materials, while requiring substantially less energy.

Engineered biochar and beneficial bacteria team up to boost crop growth

Researchers developed a specially engineered biochar made from sewage sludge that significantly enhances plant growth when combined with beneficial bacteria. The biochar-bacteria combination improved nitrogen cycling and increased the abundance of beneficial soil microbes, leading to greater plant nutrition and growth.

Biochar particle size found to shape disease control in crops

Researchers found that the particle size of biochar impacts its effectiveness in controlling soil-borne diseases, with fine biochar acting quickly but losing effectiveness over time. Coarse biochar, on the other hand, provides a slower yet more sustained protective effect by releasing nutrients and organic compounds into the soil.

Researchers develop biochar-based photocatalyst that rapidly removes antibiotic pollutants from water

A new biochar-enhanced photocatalyst has been developed to efficiently degrade antibiotic contaminants in water, with the material demonstrating remarkable ability to break down sulfadiazine. The photocatalyst harnesses sunlight to drive chemical reactions capable of degrading antibiotic molecules, and its performance is substantially ...

Turning herbal waste into a powerful tool for cleaning heavy metal pollution

Researchers developed a phosphorus-modified biochar that can simultaneously immobilize harmful metals and enhance soil fertility. The material showed remarkable adsorption capacity for lead and cadmium, with potential applications in soil remediation and sustainable agriculture.

Modified biochar helps compost retain nitrogen and build richer soil organic matter

Researchers designed modified biochars with phosphorus and magnesium to improve compost quality by retaining nitrogen and accelerating humification. The study found that these materials reduced ammonia emissions and promoted microbial activity, resulting in higher nitrogen retention and improved soil fertility.

Engineered biochar could unlock more effective and scalable solutions for soil and water pollution

A new review highlights how engineering biochar with magnetic and mineral modifications can expand its environmental applications while overcoming practical limitations. Engineered biochars combine adsorption with reactive processes to trap pollutants, transform or degrade them, reducing the risk of secondary contamination.

Scientists uncover how engineered biochar and microbes work together to boost plant-based cleanup of cadmium-polluted soils

Scientists have discovered how engineered biochar and microbes work together to enhance phytoremediation by improving soil conditions and stimulating beneficial microbes. The study found that modified biochar substantially increased plant growth, boosted photosynthesis, and promoted the transfer of cadmium from roots to stems and leaves.

Self-repairing biohybrid system uses sunlight to purify uranium-contaminated water

A novel, self-regenerating 'bacteria-mineral' biohybrid system was developed to utilize light like a solar cell for uranium pollution purification. The system enhances the purification efficiency of uranium pollution through the use of metabolic activity of bacteria to grow ferrous sulfide nanoparticles.

Machine learning helps design low-cost biochar to fight phosphorus pollution in lakes

Researchers developed a machine learning-guided strategy to design advanced biochar materials that remove phosphorus efficiently while lowering treatment costs. The study provides a practical pathway for restoring eutrophic waters at large scale.

Seashells and coconut char: A coastal recipe for super-compost

A study published in Carbon Research reveals that a unique Ca-modified biochar can act as a powerful catalyst for the composting process, transforming pig manure and rice straw into stable, nutrient-rich humus. The innovation helps improve waste management in tropical regions, reducing nitrogen loss and environmental footprint.

A global challenge posed by the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment

The presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment is causing problems in ecosystems, leading to impacts on human health. Researchers propose key points for a more sustainable pharmacy framework, including training professionals and promoting eco-prescribing.

From rice fields to fresh air: Transforming agricultural waste into a shield against indoor pollution

Vietnamese researchers create a sustainable biochar 'sponge' that doubles the efficiency of removing toxic formaldehyde from the air. The material is made from rice husk ash and polyethyleneimine, offering a cost-effective solution to indoor pollution.

Biochar-based enzyme technology offers new path for cleaner water and soil

Combining enzymes with biochar breaks down pollutants into less harmful compounds, improving efficiency and durability. Biochar-immobilized enzymes have demonstrated impressive results in water treatment and soil remediation.

Tailored biochar could transform how crops grow, resist disease, and clean polluted soils

Engineered biochar shows promise in boosting crop yields, suppressing soil-borne diseases, and remediating contaminated land. Purpose-specific design is essential for optimal performance.

Engineered biochar enzyme system clears toxic phenolic acids and restores pepper seed germination in continuous cropping soils

A team of scientists developed a simple biochar-based technology to strip self-toxic chemicals from pepper growing soils and restore healthy seed germination. The engineered material, HRP CBC, consistently outperformed other treatments in removing toxic phenolic acids and achieving at least 50% removal within two hours.

New biochar-powered microbial systems offer sustainable solution for toxic pollutants

Researchers have developed biochar-supported microbial systems to tackle persistent organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides. These integrated strategies have achieved impressive results, breaking down pollutants in industrial wastewater, agricultural soils, and domestic environments.

Winners of Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 announced

The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.

Biochar and plants join forces to clean up polluted soils and boost ecosystem recovery

A new study explores how combining biochar with rhizoremediation can greatly enhance soil restoration by breaking down pollutants. Biochar creates a thriving environment where plants and microbes work together to clean the soil naturally, supporting ecosystem restoration.

Biochar from invasive weed shields rice from toxic nanoplastics and heavy metals

Rice exposed to nanoplastics and cadmium suffered a 16% loss in biomass, but biochar treatment increased biomass by over 80% and restored chlorophyll and protein levels. Biochar formed a physical barrier, trapped pollutants, and enhanced antioxidant activity.

Plastic in the soil, but not as we know it: Biodegradable microplastics rewire carbon storage in farm fields

A two-year field study reveals that biodegradable microplastics, often considered eco-friendly, are reshaping farmfield soils in unexpected ways. Bioplastics PLA reduced stable carbon compounds by 32% while boosting microbial necromass and fungal-dominated soil ecosystems.

Long-term biochar use boosts soil health and soybean yields, study finds

A decade-long field study reveals that biochar improves soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity, leading to higher soybean yields. Biochar also reshapes soil microbial communities, promoting beneficial groups and suppressing potential pathogens.

Biochar shows promise for cleaning nitrate pollution from soil and water

A new review highlights how biochar can capture and reduce nitrate contamination in groundwater, agricultural soils, and wastewater. Biochar offers the advantage of being renewable, affordable, and adaptable to different environmental conditions, with removal efficiencies above 80-90 percent in some cases.

New biochar technology promises breakthrough in soil clean-up and crop safety

Phosphorus-modified biochar dramatically reduces heavy metal pollution, improving soil quality and microbial communities. The innovation offers a promising approach for cleaning up contaminated farmland and securing the food supply.

Beyond adsorption: Dalian scientists uncover biochar’s hidden superpower—direct pollutant destruction

Researchers at Dalian University of Technology have discovered that biochar can directly degrade organic pollutants, removing up to 40% of contaminants. This breakthrough reveals biochar's hidden superpower, opening new avenues for sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental engineering.

Steel sludge transformed into powerful water cleaner for antibiotic pollution

Researchers have developed a low-cost material that can clean antibiotics out of water, using steel sludge as a valuable resource. The biochar breaks down tetracycline through chemical reactions, removing over 85% in just two hours.

Tiny soil microbes turn detective to uncover the timeline of oil spill contamination

Scientists developed a diagnostic tool using functional gene ratios to assess crude oil contamination status and apparent age in soils. The novel molecular diagnostic tool offers rapid field-deployable assessment of site condition and pollution age, providing evidence-based approach for prioritizing clean-up efforts.

Caging enzymes to create more voracious microorganisms

Researchers seek to harness protein cage encapsulation to combine and regulate multiple enzymes, creating a 'nano-reactor' that breaks down toxic substances more efficiently. The goal is to expedite the biodegradation process and reduce harmful intermediates.

Microalgae remove antibiotic residues from wastewater, reducing environmental contamination

Researchers have discovered that microalgae species can remove antibiotic residues from water, including sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. This process also produces biomass with potential commercial value, including biodiesel production.

Could the goo and gunk in your home be solutions to climate change?

Researchers have found new organisms that can capture carbon dioxide and clean pollutants from the environment. By exploring extremophiles in homes, scientists can gain insights into their unique characteristics and develop sustainable solutions.

Decoupled responses of soil microbial diversity and ecosystem functions to successive degeneration processes in alpine pioneer community

Soil microbial diversity decreases in alpine pioneer community degradation, while ecosystem functions initially increase before declining. Fungal communities are more vulnerable to environmental changes than bacterial ones.

Engineered animals show new way to fight mercury pollution

Australian scientists engineer fish and flies to break down toxic methylmercury into a less harmful gas, offering a new solution to environmental pollution. The research could lead to the creation of wildlife that protects both human health and the environment.

Nanomaterials are emerging as a powerful tool for coastal oil spill cleanup, say Concordia researchers

Nanomaterials are being studied for their potential in combating marine oil spills, with promising results showing improved removal efficiency and reduced toxicity. The researchers emphasize the need for eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to minimize environmental risks.

Simplified redesign of proteins to improve ligand binding

Researchers developed ProteinReDiff, an AI-powered method to redesign proteins for improved ligand binding. The approach uses initial protein sequences and ligand SMILES strings, reducing reliance on detailed structural data.

Biochar reduces the risks of DDT-contaminated soil

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.

University of Houston study on hemp may lead to more sustainable farming methods

A University of Houston study found that different genotypes of hemp have unique microbial communities that impact CBD production and fiber quality. The research, published in Nature, highlights the potential for microbiome diversity to inform more sustainable farming practices.

The roles of rhizospheric and endophytic microorganisms on the regulation of secondary metabolites accumulation in Medicinal Plants-A Review from Medicinal Plant Research Center of South China Agricultural University

Recent research from the Medicinal Plant Research Center of South China Agricultural University reveals that rhizospheric and endophytic microorganisms significantly influence the accumulation of key SMs in medicinal plants. These microorganisms encode genes related to nitrogen fixation, phosphate metabolism, hormone synthesis, and roo...

Microrespirometric validation of a two-stage process for polyhydroxyalkanoates production from peanut oil and propionate with cupriavidus necator

This study validates a two-stage process for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) using peanut oil and propionate with Cupriavidus necator. The findings show that peanut oil is the most beneficial carbon source, leading to increased biomass and PHA production.

How to make ubiquitous plastics biodegradable

Scientists have discovered a way to break down styrene, a toxic plastic component, using microorganisms that produce an enzyme called styrene oxide isomerase. This enzyme accelerates the conversion of styrene into a less toxic compound, offering a potential solution for biodegradable plastics.

Restoration of degraded areas in semi-arid region contributes to ‘return’ of soil microorganisms, study shows

A study reveals that restoration strategies in the semi-arid region of Brazil have led to a return of native ecosystem services by improving soil microbial properties. The techniques, including removal of cattle and cultivation of cover crops, have resulted in higher biodiversity and crop yields.

Fresh Research for Fresh Air: Harnessing microbes for removing indoor pollutants

Researchers in Chile developed a prototype using microorganisms to remove VOCs and PAHs from indoor air, achieving efficiencies above 90%. The system can operate for 8 months without losing efficiency. This breakthrough offers a potentially low-cost solution to improve indoor air quality.

NTU Singapore scientists find both potential threats and promising resources in the thriving colonies of bacteria and fungi on ocean plastic trash

A team of NTU scientists found a mix of harmful microorganisms, including Labyrinthulaceae and Lyngbya, that can poison marine life. However, they also discovered potential plastic-eating bacteria, such as Muricauda and Halomonas, which could aid in plastic degradation.

Genetically modified bacteria break down plastics in saltwater

Researchers have genetically engineered Vibrio natriegens to produce enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in salt water. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of removing plastics from oceans and could lead to more sustainable solutions.

Newly discovered fungus helps destroy a harmful food toxin

A newly discovered fungus has been found to transform the toxic compound patulin into less harmful byproducts, offering potential solutions for controlling its presence in food products. The fungus, identified as Acremonium sp., was shown to degrade patulin into desoxypatulinic acid and other compounds, which are significantly less toxic.

Efficient oil-eating bacteria cooperate to maximize dining capacity

Researchers discovered that Alcanivorax borkumensis biofilms consume oil by stretching droplets into tubes, allowing for efficient oil degradation. Large concentrations of dispersants can harm these biofilms, highlighting the need for further research.