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The composite industry is focusing on bio-waste as an alternative source of raw materials to address sustainability challenges in its procedures and goods. This study describes the characteristics of Licuala grandis tree peduncle fibers (LGPFs), a novel agro-waste that is segregated from the peduncle of the tree. Quantifiable information about LGPF, such as its tensile strength (232–273 MPa), Young's modulus (2.2–4.9 GPa), better crystallinity index (51%), and cellulose proportion (58.31 weight percent), is obtained owing to the thorough examination. Thermogravimetric (TGA/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) inquiries provide insight into the LGPF's thermal behavior and reveal that it will remain stable up to 236 °C. The analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy helps to validate the outcomes of chemical examination. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the LGPF's surface roughness supported the idea of using it as reinforcement material in composites with polymer as matrix. LGPF-reinforced polymer composites can be used in structural applications, according to the experimental findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste biomass deriving from agricultural activities has different destinations depending on the possibility of applying it to specific processes. As the waste biomass is abundant, cheap, and generally safe, it can be used for several applications, biogas production being the most relevant from the quantitative point of view. In this study, we have used a set of agricultural by-products (agro-waste) deriving from the post-harvest treatment of cereals and legumes as the growth substrate for selected biosurfactant-producing microbial strains. The agricultural by-products were easily metabolized and highly effective for the growth of microorganisms and the production of rhamnolipids and surfactin by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. In particular, the use of corn chaff ("bee-wings") was suitable for the production of rhamnolipids. Indeed, in corn-chaff-based media, rhamnolipids yields ranged from 2 to 18 g/L of fermentation broth. This study demonstrated that the use of waste raw materials could be applied to reduce the carbon footprint of the production of biosurfactants without compromising the possibility of having a suitable fermentation medium for industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An agro-waste biomass, Ricinus communis seeds surface has been modified with sulfuric acid in a 1:3 ratio of precursor to sulfuric acid to create surface-modified Ricinus communis seeds (SMRC), which serve as adsorbents. The elimination of methylene blue dye (MBD) by SMRC shows rapid adsorption (AD) kinetics and reaches equilibrium within 60 min. Under ideal conditions—pH of 6.5, SMRC dosage of 5 g/L, contact period of 60 min, and temperature of 303 K—the highest elimination of MBD for 100 mg/L of dye solution. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model offered a more precise match to the experimental data than the pseudo-first-order kinetic models. Various models, including intraparticle diffusion model, Boyd kinetic model, and Shrinking Core Model, were employed to characterize the AD mechanism. It was determined that both particle diffusion and film diffusion mechanisms governed the AD process. The Boyd kinetic model and Shrinking Core Model were used to determine the diffusivity and effective diffusivity values, respectively. Isotherm results informed that the Freundlich isotherm (FI) offered a more precise match to the isotherm data. The AD of MBD onto the SMRC was found to follow a physical process, as evidenced by the constant value of the FI constant "n," which was determined to be 3.888 g/L. The produced adsorbent showed excellent adsorption potential for dye wastewater and it can be extended to the real dye wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) investigates the utilization of tuber crop skins, specifically from yam, potato, taro, and cassava as an underexplored resource in circular agriculture. The study aims to assess their multifaceted applications across sectors such as animal feed, bioenergy, material science, wastewater treatment, and food innovation, addressing the overarching research question of how tuber crop skins can contribute to a more sustainable agricultural model. Method: A rigorous review protocol was applied to analyze 26 articles sourced from ScienceDirect and Web of Science. The selection criteria focused on works that explore the application of tuber crop skins in various do-mains, ensuring a comprehensive coverage of the subject matter. Results: The analysis reveals that tuber crop skins offer significant benefits, including serving as nutrient-rich livestock feed, potential bioenergy feedstocks, and a basis for bio-based plastics and biocomposites due to their high cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content. Their capacity for absorbing pollutants also highlights their utility in wastewater treatment. Additionally, their application in food fortification and the creation of function-al foods showcases their versatility. Conclusion: Despite the promising applications of tuber crop skins, there is a notable lack of comprehensive studies examining their long-term sustainability, scalability, and socio-economic impacts. The research identifies a crucial need for interdisciplinary studies to address these gaps, advocating for further exploration to harness the full potential of tuber crop skins in promoting sustainable circular agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural lignocellulosic fibers possess distinct capacities and properties from various perspectives. To utilize natural fibers most effectively, particularly in high-quality applications, it is essential to have a solid understanding of their fundamental qualities. This study isolates ultrastrong fibers from the vascular tissues of the Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (candle bush) plant stem. The α-cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose contents of the fibers were measured to be 72.14%, 12.28%, and 10.47%, respectively, which fell within a favorable range for creating ropes, sacs, yarns, and textile fabrics. To evaluate their potential qualities against commercially available fibers, S. alata was tested for tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break. The findings revealed tensile strength, breaking elongation, and E-modulus values of 625.22 ± 81.12 MPa, 3.86 ± 1.7%, and 67.77 ± 0.33 GPa, which were comparable to those of commercially available natural fibers, making them suitable for applications in door panels, furniture, and structural components. The fibers also exhibited lower mass losses (5% at 270 °C), making them appropriate for biocompatible materials with excellent heat stability, including insulation, packaging, circuit boards, dielectric substrates, and switches. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of the fibers were evaluated and found suitable for use in the textile, pharmaceutical, and wound dressing sectors. The results illustrate that this unique fiber is an ecologically benign and sustainable raw material due to its superior value addition and the versatility it offers in manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of surface texturing on the tribomechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with chemically activated carbon were studied. Activated carbon produced from palm kernel (PKSAC) and coconut shells (CSAC) were composed in three concentrations (XCSAC): 100 vol. % CSAC + 0 vol. % PKSAC, 50 vol. % CSAC + 50 vol. % PKSAC and 0 vol. % CSAC + 100 vol. % PKSAC, three particle sizes (XPS): 60, 105 and 150 μm, three reinforcement amounts (XRW): 4, 6 and 8 wt. %, and used to fabricate cylindrical discs of Ø 50 × 6 mm height with four surface texture geometries. The epoxy/activated carbon composites were experimentally evaluated for tribomechanical performance using Box-Behnken design. Multivariate second-order polynomial models approximated the influence of XCSAC, XPS and XRW on the tribomechanical properties. The aim was to use the property response to determine the effect of texturing on the tribomechanical properties of composites for automobile applications. The maximum tensile strength value was the highest for the untextured surface, followed in descending order by circular, triangular and rectangular surface texture. The maximum compressive strength value was the highest for the untextured surfaces, followed in descending order by triangular, circular and rectangular surface texture. The maximum wear rate value was the highest for the untextured surfaces, followed in descending order by rectangular, circular and triangular surface texture, while the maximum coefficient of friction value was the highest for the circular surface texture, followed in descending order by triangular and rectangular surface texture and untextured surfaces. Texturing surfaces were found to reduce the composites' mechanical properties while decreasing the wear rate and increasing the coefficient of friction.

Simple Summary: Due to rising feed ingredient costs and the shift toward more sustainable agricultural practices, alternative feed sources and by-products are becoming increasingly important. Citric acid by-products from rice (CABR) show potential as a nutritious feed option that supports chicken production. This study compared the growth performance, carcass yield, and meat quality of broilers fed CABR-based diets with those on traditional feeds. The findings indicate that incorporating 3–6% CABR into broiler diets can deliver comparable results to conventional diets without compromising carcass quality. By adopting CABR, poultry farmers can reduce their reliance on standard feed ingredients, support a more sustainable food system, and better manage feed price volatility. This research aimed to enhance the diet of Thai broiler chickens (KKU 1) by assessing the impact of CABR on growth performance, carcass yield, and meat composition. A total of 320 one-day-old mixed-sex (1:1) Thai KKU 1 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments incorporating CABR at levels of 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%. The chicks were fed for a period of 56 days, divided into three phases: 1–21, 22–49, and 50–56 days. In the grower phase, birds receiving 3% and 6% CABR displayed the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to other groups, while their body weight (BW) and BW gain (BWG) were significantly higher than those of other treatments (p < 0.05). In the finisher phase, performance differences were minimal, except for birds on the 3% CABR diet, which had greater BW than those on 9% or 12% CABR diets. Overall, throughout all phases, the inclusion of 3% CABR resulted in improved BWG and FCR compared to other groups across the study period (p < 0.05). Additionally, the 12% CABR treatment reduced dressing percentage compared to other groups, but it did not negatively impact the relative organ weights of the carcass or the quality of breast meat. Incorporating 3% and 12% CABR resulted in the highest values recorded for gross energy and ether extract in breast meat (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the gross energy of thigh meat increased with 3% to 12% CABR inclusion, peaking at the 6% CABR treatment (p < 0.05). This study found that adding 3% or 6% CABR to the diet of Thai broiler chickens improves their growth without negatively impacting meat or carcass quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to identify how project management can enable the introduction of circular economy (CE) in agribusiness. The methodological strategy used was the systematic literature review. The research corpus consisted of 70 articles selected from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. For screening, the Rayyan platform was used, and the analysis process was carried out by categorization and grouping of terms and concepts with the help of Excel software. The evidence shown the efforts to reduce agro-waste and how to transform them into by-products. Barriers, challenges, benefits and opportunities for making the CE viable in agribusiness are presented. Three ways of projecting the CE in agribusiness are identified: (1) project management processes in the integration of the CE in agribusiness, (2) innovative projects and new business models as drivers of the CE in agribusiness and (3) 4.0 technologies integrating the CE in agribusiness based on project management methodologies. Results are limited to terms used in search mechanisms. This research contributes towards identifying project management processes that can enable the CE in agribusiness, particularly by identifying the impacts of the CE in different business areas. The research also contributes in a practical way by providing insights on ways to make the CE viable in agribusiness through project management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the emerging non-digestible oligosaccharide prebiotics is β-mannooligosaccharides (β-MOS). β-MOS are β-mannan derived oligosaccharides, they are selectively fermented by gut microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms (probiotics), whereas the growth of enteric pathogens remains unaffected or gets inhibited in their presence, along with production of metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. β-MOS also exhibit several other bioactive properties and health-promoting effects. Production of β-MOS using the enzymes such as β-mannanases is the most effective and eco-friendly approach. For the application of β-MOS on a large scale, their production needs to be standardized using low-cost substrates, efficient enzymes and optimization of the production conditions. Moreover, for their application, detailed in-vivo and clinical studies are required. For this, a thorough information of various studies in this regard is needed. The current review provides a comprehensive account of the enzymatic production of β-MOS along with an evaluation of their prebiotic and other bioactive properties. Their characterization, structural-functional relationship and in-vivo studies have also been summarized. Research gaps and future prospects have also been discussed, which will help in conducting further research for the commercialization of β-MOS as prebiotics, functional food ingredients and therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment four agro-waste based biomass residues (soybean stover-SSb, buckwheat stover-BWb, Artemisia vulgaris- AVb and Chromolaena odorata-COb) was valorized into low cost amendment called biochar followed by compositional characterization for their application in heavy metal removal. Investigation was carried out on the removal of the most common heavy metal ions including arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc, and copper through adsorption on four types of biomass valorised biochar. According to preliminary testing, all the biochar was effective to eliminate a mixture of six heavy metals from the aqueous phase, with the removal of arsenic being the most removed and nickel being the least. In comparison to no biochar treatment, the average removal rate of heavy metal from aqueous solution using four distinct types of biochar was 45.75–62.42% (Cd), 43.64–56.33% (Pb), 41.85–59.73% (Ni), 42.87–60.28% (Zn), 45.64–59.51% (Cu), and 49.02–60.53% (As). The percent decrease of cadmium heavy metal adsorption with increase in maximum contaminant level (MCL) from 1- to fivefold was 20.0 (SSb), 20.7 (COb), 21.6 (BWb), and 22.9 (AVb). The results of the dosage study indicated that As adsorption was the most beneficial on all four types of biochar, whereas Ni adsorption was the least effective. With increase in application rate of biochar the heavy metals adsorption (%) was also increased. Four different agro-waste valorized biochar were used to treat the wastewater, and the physical and chemical changes that occurred both before and after the biochar treatment were noted. There was a drop in the wastewater CODT, CODD, TSS, ammonia, TKN, TP and pH values of 79.7–103.5%, 57.7–81.5, 52.3–68.4%, 1.23–2.23%, 14.1–20.6%, and 1.23–3.03%, respectively. Furthermore, after being passed through a biochar, the wastewater's Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Cr and Cu levels decreased by 3.26–6.15%, 0.06–0.34%, 0.01–0.08%, 2.37–3.65%, 3.95–5.53%, and 2.24–3.34%, respectively at 2.5 and 5.0 g/litre of wastewater. Thus, in order to comply with regulations for the disposal of wastewater effluent, the process of valorizing biomass into biochar offered enormous potential for the removal of heavy metals in addition to wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite industries focus on utilization of natural resources to imbibe sustainability in their products. This investigation details the segregation and characterization of Licuala grandis leaf sheath fibers (LGLSFs) extracted from leaf sheath of Licuala grandis tree an agro-waste for utilization as raw material in composite industries. The characteristics of LGLSF were compared with other competitive natural fibers to ensure its suitability for reinforcement in composite industry. The characterizations include chemical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal methods. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum revealed the existence of functional groups in LGLSF. The surface texture of LGLSF observed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) ensures its possibility of making better interfacial bonding characteristics with the matrix when reinforced in polymer composites. To support the industry on decision making process, the quantitative metrics such as cellulose content (49.13 wt.%), minimum wax (0.31 wt.%), lesser density (1.24 g/cm3), higher crystallinity index (48%), tensile strength (102–179 MPa), and Young's modulus (1.3–5.4 GPa) of LGLSF were appraised. The thermal stability up to 223 °C and exothermic and endothermic behavior of LGLSF at higher temperatures were ensured through thermogravimetric (TGA/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, respectively. The appraised quantitative values, the thermal behavior, and chemical functionality of LGLSF ensure its use as reinforcement in polymer composites employed for low density structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increasing consumers' demands for natural bioactive compounds can be attributed to the adverse effects of synthetic antioxidants. While Platanus orientalis leaves are considered waste material, they are a rich source of bioactive compounds. Conventional extraction techniques, however, have different drawbacks for the recovery of bioactive compounds. The current study aimed to optimize and evaluate the impact of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) as an independent variable on bioactive compounds recovery from P. orientalis leaves. Methods: Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the extraction conditions and maximize the quantitative yield of bioactive compounds. Moreover, the influence of the MAE process on antioxidant activity and phenolic compound profile was investigated using spectroscopy and chromatography techniques. Results: The optimal MAE conditions were determined to be 300 W microwave power, 17 min irradiation time, and a solvent-to-sample ratio of 31 v/w. The extract obtained under these optimized conditions showed a higher concentration of valuable phenolic compounds, including rutin, gallic acid, myricetin, and catechin. Conclusion: The leaves of P. orientalis have the potential to be a source of bioactive compounds with significant anti-radical capacity. MAE is a potential modern technique to separate bioactive compounds from P. orientalis leaves, which could find further applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating environmental concerns surrounding the massive production and improper disposal of non-biodegradable food packaging materials have led to the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. In response to this demand, the present study aims to model a biodegradable food package utilizing abundant agro-wastes, specifically rice husk, plantain stem, and sugarcane bagasse. The primary objective is to develop a packaging material that not only reduces environmental pollution but also utilizes readily available agricultural residues. Various formulations were tested to optimize the proportion of cooking starch, ensuring maximum binding efficiency while maintaining desirable physical and mechanical characteristics of the packaging material. The resulting mixture was then molded into the desired shape using a suitable technique such as compression molding or extrusion. The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, flexibility, and impact resistance, were assessed to evaluate the performance of the developed packaging material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to valorize button mushroom stalks (Agaricus bisporus) to extract vitamin D2 to fortify flours sustainably. Freeze-dried stalks were subjected to UV-B treatment (280–315 nm) followed by the extraction of vitamin D2 using conventional (reflux and open water bath saponification) and non-conventional techniques (ultrasonication) to obtain maximal yield. Ultrasonication followed by saponification yielded the highest extract (25.8 mg/g) with optimal vitamin D2 content (103.08 µg/g), thus attaining a recovery efficiency of 102.6% by the optimized protocol. The hexane (solvent) residue in extracted vitamin D2 (0.31 ppm) was far less than FDA-approved levels (290 ppm) and the maximum residue limit (MRL) set by the European Union (EU)/Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (1 mg/kg), thereby underscoring the safety and compliance of the extraction method with regulatory standards. Vitamin D2 enriched extract was used to fortify cereal and millet flours using surface functionalization. The homogeneity of the fortified flours was optimized using a V-blender for 20 min at 20 rpm. The vitamin D2 content varied between 12 and 13 µg per 100 g of fortified flours. The functional properties of fortified flours, namely, circularity (↑- 26–38%), aspect ratio (↓- 20–49%), Carrs Index (↓- 12–21%), Hausner ratio (↓- 1–4%), and angle of repose (↓- 4–5%) showed marked improvement indicating increased smoothness and flowability. These findings thus emphasize the potential of utilizing button mushroom stalks for extracting vitamin D2, offering a sustainable and effective means to fortify flours with improved physicochemical and functional properties. Further, studies can be carried out to assess vitamin D2 potential and efficacy of fortified flours for varied applications in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges to feed the world in 2050 are becoming more and more apparent. This calls for producing more with fewer inputs (most of them under scarcity), higher resource efficiency, minimum or zero effect on the environment, and higher sustainability. Therefore, increasing the circularity of production systems is highly significant for their sustainability. This study investigates the utilization of waste streams from greenhouse hydroponic drainage nutrient solutions for the cultivation of the microalgae Desmodesmus sp. The cultivation was done in an automatically controlled container-scale closed tubular Photo Bio-Reactor (PBR). The study included lab-scale open-pond system experiments and in situ container-scale experiments in the greenhouse wastewater system to assess biomass growth, optical density, nitrogen consumption, and the influence of enzymatic complexes on microalgae cell breakdown. A batch-harvesting process was followed, and the harvested microalgae biomass was pre-concentrated using FeCl3 as a flocculant that has demonstrated efficient sedimentation and biomass recovery. Following microalgae sedimentation, the produced biomass was used for biostimulant production by means of a biocatalysis process. The enzymatic complexes, "EnzProt", "EnzCell", and "EnzMix" were tested for cell breakdown, with "EnzMix" at a dosage of 10% showing the most promising results. The results demonstrate successful biomass production and nitrogen uptake in the lab-scale open-pond system, with promising upscaling results within container-scale cultivation. The findings contribute to a better assessment of the needs of Desmodesmus sp. culture and highlight the importance in optimizing culture conditions and enzymatic processes for the production of biostimulants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost-effective production of commercially important biopolymers, such as chitosan, has gained momentum in recent decades owing to its versatile material properties. The seasonal variability in the availability of crustacean waste and fish waste, routinely used for chitosan extraction, has triggered a focus on fungal chitosan as a sustainable alternative. This study demonstrates a cost-effective strategy for cultivating an endophytic fungus isolated from Pichavaram mangrove soil in a pineapple peel-based medium for harvesting fungal biomass. Chitosan was extracted using alkali and acid treatment methods from various combinations of media. The highest chitosan yield (139 ± 0.25 mg/L) was obtained from the pineapple peel waste-derived medium supplemented with peptone. The extracted polymer was characterized by FTIR, XRD, DSC, and TGA analysis. The antioxidant activity of the fungal chitosan was evaluated using DPPH assay and showed an IC50 value of 0.22 mg/L. Subsequently, a transparent chitosan film was fabricated using the extracted fungal chitosan, and its biodegradability was assessed using a soil burial test for 50 days. Biodegradation tests revealed that, after 50 days, a degradation rate of 28.92 ± 0.75% (w/w) was recorded. Thus, this study emphasizes a cost-effective strategy for the production of biopolymers with significant antioxidant activity, which may have promising applications in food packaging if additional investigations are carried out in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Locally available apricot seed shell as agro-waste was used for the preparation of adsorbents. The biochar was prepared at 370°C via pyrolysis and 80 mesh particle sizes were modified by 1N HCl. Nitrate adsorption and effect of co-ions from aqueous solution were studied under batch model using apricot seed shell powder (ASSP), apricot seed shell biochar (ASSB), and activated apricot seed shell biochar (AASSB). FTIR and pHPZC measurements were used to characterize the adsorbents. Based on the experimental findings, the optimum conditions follow pH 2, 0.3g dosage, initial concentration of 50 mg.L-1, and contact time of 90 min. The three forms of adsorbent exhibited good adsorption for nitrate. However, the maximum percentage removal of nitrate ions from the aqueous solution followed the order AASSB>ASSB>ASSP. The adsorption kinetic of nitrate ion was best fitted by pseudo 2nd order, and the parameters of adsorption isotherms elucidated favorable and improved sorption. This agro-waste could be used to develop sustainable adsorbents in water and wastewater treatment methods and has great potential to replace commercially available sorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes the latest data on the possibilities of using agricultural waste for the development of effective means of combating microorganisms. A comprehensive search was carried out using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. The methods of preparation of solutions from raw plant materials are detailed, and their biochemical composition is given. Microorganisms that have aroused the scientific and practical interest of researchers from different countries of the world are also indicated. For ease of understanding, the primary material indicating the sensitivity of microorganisms to plant extracts is presented in the form of a table. It should be noted that the concept of "agro-waste" is different in different countries, but everywhere it is planted, raw material is not subject to further processing, human consumption, or animal feeding. Since such raw materials are abundant and cheap, they should be considered as a potential source of biochemically active substances for use in various spheres of human life. Natural biochemical substances are of indisputable importance in the fight against microorganisms - pathogens of humans (animals), which, through specific mutational mechanisms, have developed resistance to widely used antimicrobial agents. Resistant strains are potentially dangerous biologically and "economically" due to the difficulty of fighting them and attracting significant financial resources to this fight. The current situation prompts scientists to search for cheap, easy-to-prepare (use) and effective means. Based on the materials of the article, raw materials of plant origin - agricultural waste - have the potential to overcome the problem of antibiotic resistance, but further, more in-depth study of their properties is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar, produced from biodegradable waste through advanced thermochemical processes like pyrolysis, offers substantial environmental benefits due to its carbon-rich composition and versatile applications. This review delves into the transformative potential of biochar derived from diverse agricultural and municipal solid wastes. With its unique properties-including a high surface area, porosity, and functional groups such as –COOH, –OH, and –NH2 biochar stands out as a highly effective adsorbent for heavy metals and organic pollutants. Factors like feedstock type, pyrolysis temperature, and residence time critically shape biochar’s characteristics and yield. Moreover, pretreatment methods and activation techniques further amplify its adsorption capacity. Biochar’s environmental applications are vast, spanning soil remediation, water purification, carbon sequestration, and waste management, all promoting ecological sustainability. Its remarkable stability and efficacy in pollutant removal highlight its potential as a catalyst and a vital component in improving soil health. Despite its many advantages, a thorough assessment of biochar’s environmental impact and long-term stability is crucial for its sustainable use. This review highlights recent biochar production, characterization, and application advances, emphasizing the need to balance economic growth with environmental development. By strategically integrating biochar into various sectors, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]