Project title: Stable Mn oxide-biochar composites – a smart solution for complex soil remediation
Project number: 23-06776S
Donor: GAČR
Leader: Ing. Zuzana Vaňková, Ph.D.
Contact person: Ing. Hana Jenšíková
Project schedule: 2023-2025
Total CZU project budget: CZK 7 758 000
Abstract:
Biochars have proved as versatile materials for soil remediation. Modifying their surfaces with Mn oxides to create MnOx-biochar composites (MnOBCs) can significantly enhance their sorption capacities for a range of metal(loid)s, and also extends their usability for the remediation of organic contaminants. Despite promising results from aqueous systems and simplified laboratory tests with soils, their stability, particularly in relation to Mn leaching, could hinder their onward application to field situations. Here they remain largely untested under a range of challenging environmental conditions. To fill the identified knowledge gaps, the project will aim at: 1) preparation of MnOBCs with high stability and sorption capacity towards targeted metal(loid)s, 2) studying the biotic and abiotic effects of MnOBCs in soil contaminated with metal (loid)s and polyaromatic hydrocarbons via microcosm column systems under different controlled soil moisture regimes, and 3) verifying their effects and performance under field conditions at a state-of-the-art study field experimental station.