Remediation of chromium contaminated water and soil by nitrogen and iron doped biochars

Chromium (Cr) is a toxic and redox-sensitive contaminant that has accumulated in water and soil systems, becoming a serious issue worldwide. Producing novel remedial materials with enhanced removal efficiency from plentiful available sources is a pleasing aspect for Cr removal. This review explores valuable insights into the production of nitrogen doped biochar (N/BC), iron doped biochar (Fe/BC), and iron-nitrogen doped biochar (FeN/BC) and their application for Cr (trivalent (Cr(III)) and hexavalent (Cr(VI)) removal. Specifically, this review focuses on conferring knowledge about producing environmentally friendly N and Fe doped BCs with enhanced surface functionalities, physicochemical properties, and holding capacities for removing Cr(VI) through adsorption and reduction. Affecting factors for Cr(VI) removal by N/BC, Fe/BC, and Fe-N/BC through reviewing the literature on the reaction system pH, mass transfer driving forces, effect of coexisting ions, BC production conditions, and redox potential are overviewed. Notably, isotherm and kinetic models and removal mechanisms of Cr(VI) by N/BC, Fe/BC, and Fe-N/BC with the assistance of characterization analyses, experimental results, and computational modeling methods are explored. Finally, the regeneration, cost evaluation, and environmental implications, as well as the real-world applications and environmental risks of N/BC, Fe/BC, and Fe-N/BC are discussed. This review shows that N and Fe doped BCs are remedial materials that can potentially remediate Cr(VI) contaminated water and soil.