Biochar for the adsorption of endocrine-disrupting chemicals: performance, mechanisms, and strategies

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment can interfere with the normal levels of hormones in human bodies, posing threats to human health. Hence, the removal of EDCs is an urgent matter. Biochar, recognized as a low-cost and eco-friendly adsorbent, possesses significant potential for removing EDCs. In recent years, numerous studies have reported on the adsorption of pollutants by biochar. However, a systematic summary specifically addressing the adsorption of EDCs by biochar remains absent. This review addresses this gap by providing the first comprehensive synthesis of biochar applications in the adsorption of EDCs, introducing a novel modular design strategy which is proposed herein for the first time to tailor biochar properties to target EDC structures. This article initially summarizes and analyzes the preparation and modification methods of biochar. Secondly, a discussion is conducted regarding the analysis of various types of EDCs adsorbed by biochar. Based on the mechanism by which biochar absorbs EDCs, a modular design strategy for biochar is first proposed. Additionally, the main influencing factors and economic feasibility of biochar removal for EDCs are deliberated. Finally, prospects for future research on biochar removal of EDCs are presented.