Nano-Bioremediation via Biochar, Zeolite Nanocomposites for Water Quality Enhancement: A Review.

Abstract

The emergence of biochar-zeolite composite nanomaterials marks major advancement in wastewater treatment, offering an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional remediation technologies. These hybrids combine the high surface area and functional groups of biochar derived from biomass pyrolysis with zeolite's superior ion-exchange capacity, thermal stability, and tunable porosity. While biochar shows promise for pollutant adsorption, its performance can be limited under high contaminant loads and challenging recovery. To overcome this, biochar is modified with nanomaterials to enhance surface properties, structural integrity, magnetic behavior, and catalytic functionality, enabling efficient pollutant removal and easier separation. Likewise, nanoscale zeolites excel at selectively removing heavy metals, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. When integrated, these composites exhibit synergistic effects by coupling broad-spectrum adsorption with targeted ion exchange. Their biocompatibility and compatibility with microbial systems make them ideal for nanobioremediation. This review compiles key findings, recent advancements, and applications of biochar-zeolite nanocomposites to guide future research.