The Use of Activated Biochar as Growth Support for Microorganisms Capable of Degrading PAHS

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are contaminants that are widespread in water, air, and soil and pose a threat to the environment and humans. This study focuses on the biodegradation of the sixteen priority PAHs listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) present in industrial soil using biochar as a growth medium for microorganisms capable of degrading PAHs and as a stimulant of endogenous microflora. Therefore, the three main steps were followed. The first was the selection of strains either commercial strains or strains isolated from a contaminated site with interesting potential for degradation of PAHs. The second was the selection of biochar allowing better immobilization of microorganisms and the third was to test the strains in real soil to optimize the degradation parameters under the concept of biopiles. This biological treatment consists of mixing the excavated soils with a structuring agent such as wood chips but in this project, we will use biochar as a structuring agent to improve the porosity of the soil and provide support for microbial biomass. Thus, a complete characterization of the studied soil will be made, and characterization of the selected biochar will be carried out to optimize the parameters for better biodegradability of PAHs and to ensure maximum efficiency yield. The result of this study showed that the selected strains have interesting potential in degrading PAHs and the biochar spruce/fir 1000 °F and activated biochar were the most interesting candidates for their retention capacity of microorganisms and PAHs. At this stage, we can say that Biochar is an excellent material that helps retain PAHs and microorganisms while promoting their growth.