Biochar application as a green clean-up method: bibliometric analysis of current trends and future perspectives

Abstract Biochar has recently emerged as a cutting-edge solution for environmental remediation, distinguishing itself from traditional methods. This essay presents a comprehensive examination of the effectiveness and future prospects of biochar through innovative bibliometric analysis techniques. Since 2010, the global application of biochar as a soil amendment has surged, evolving from its conventional uses in fuel and carbon sequestration to enhancing soil functionality, a novel approach in environmental science. With over 250 research reports published during this period, biochar has demonstrated exceptional potential in improving soil properties, including water retention, nutrient cycling, and the promotion of beneficial microbial communities. However, this work identifies a critical innovation gap: the lack of a precise definition for biochar as a soil amendment in the United States, as well as the need for interdisciplinary research that bridges soil science with plant molecular biology and genetics. Our investigation not only confirms the effectiveness of biochar as a sustainable remediation method, but also suggests its potential applications in mitigating pollution and addressing climate change impacts. While current literature primarily focuses on the role of biochar in enhancing soil fertility, we have uncovered emerging trends, pointing to its use in remediating contaminated land and removing organic pollutants, which is innovative application in the field. Additionally, we highlight the novel use of advanced tools such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to study changes following biochar application, offering a new perspective on biochar research. The versatility and effectiveness of biochar in environmental remediation make it a promising tool for sustainable soil management and pollution mitigation, underscoring the need for continued interdisciplinary research to fully realize its potential. Graphical Abstract