Global insights into the role of biochar in mitigating antibiotic resistance genes: Key properties and research trends

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), one of micro-pollutant, has become a global and persistent challenge, threatening ecosystems and human health. Currently, there has been a significant increase in research on using green methods, such as biochar, to mitigate ARGs. This study provides a comprehensive review of the influence of biochar on antibiotics and ARGs in various environmental contexts through a bibliometric analysis of 864 related publications since 2011. Notably, China has emerged as leading contributor in terms of published papers, followed by the United States and Australia. Through co-authorship network analysis, we identified 434 different institutions that participated in this field. In the multiple correspondence analysis of keyword, we identified three main clusters focusing on the importance of understanding the biological and chemical interactions between biochar and microbial communities, the use of advanced oxidation processes and specific chemical agents on biochar and the application and modification of biochar for environmental remediation. By thematic evolution analysis of the keywords, we observed that research topics have shifted from the early detection of what extent could biochar influence antibiotic bioavailability for ARG control, to the environmental applications of biochar/modified biochar as solution to address antibiotic resistance in recent 12 years. Furthermore, we conducted an in-depth discussion on the current international research status of this field in water, soil and aerobic anaerobic context, and also highlighted the mechanisms and modification technologies of biochar. Overall, this study holds significant value, serving as an important reference point and offering new and valuable perspectives and directions for future researchers in this rapidly advancing field.