Wheat Straw-Derived Biochar’s Impact on Soil Microbial Communities Under Phenanthrene Stress

José Pérez^*
*Correspondence: José Pérez, Department of Soil and Waste Management, University of Murcia, Spain, Email:

Introduction

The contamination of soil with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as phenanthrene poses significant challenges to soil health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability. Phenanthrene, a widely distributed PAH, is toxic to soil microorganisms and can disrupt the balance of microbial communities, essential for maintaining soil fertility and ecological health. As part of a growing effort to mitigate the negative impact of contaminants on soils, biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of organic biomass, has gained attention for its potential as an effective soil amendment. Wheat straw, a common agricultural residue, is a promising feedstock for biochar production due to its abundance, low cost, and high carbon content. Wheat straw-derived biochar has been shown to improve soil structure, nutrient retention, and microbial activity. Recent studies suggest that biochar can also alleviate the adverse effects of soil contamination by PAHs, including phenanthrene, by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the soil and influencing microbial community composition. This study explores the impact of wheat straw-derived biochar on soil microbial communities under phenanthrene stress, aiming to understand the mechanisms by which biochar may enhance soil health and reduce the toxicity of PAHs for microorganisms [1].

 

Biochar’s beneficial effects on soil microbial communities are attributed to its porous structure, high surface area, and ability to adsorb organic and inorganic compounds, including pollutants like phenanthrene. Furthermore, biochar has been reported to enhance soil nutrient availability and water retention, which can create more favorable conditions for microbial growth and activity. By improving soil conditions and alleviating the adverse effects of phenanthrene, wheat straw-derived biochar has the potential to restore soil microbial health and contribute to sustainable soil management practices in contaminated environments [2].

Description

The application of wheat straw-derived biochar to phenanthrene-contaminated soils has been shown to influence various aspects of soil microbial communities. Biochar's physical properties, such as its surface area and porosity, are key factors in enhancing soil microbial habitat. The presence of biochar in the soil creates a more diverse and complex environment, providing microorganisms with a stable and protective microhabitat. This enhanced habitat may support the growth of a broader range of microorganisms, including those capable of degrading phenanthrene and other PAHs. Studies have indicated that biochar can increase the abundance of microbial taxa involved in the biodegradation of organic pollutants, such as bacteria from the genera Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas, which are known for their ability to metabolize PAHs. By promoting the growth of these pollutant-degrading microbes, biochar can facilitate the bioremediation of phenanthrene-contaminated soils and reduce the overall ecological impact of the contaminant [3].

 

In addition to enhancing microbial diversity, wheat straw-derived biochar can modify the chemical environment of the soil in ways that reduce phenanthrene toxicity. The adsorption of phenanthrene molecules by biochar reduces the compound's bioavailability, thus limiting its interaction with soil microorganisms. Biochar’s adsorption capacity is influenced by its surface chemistry, which can be modified during the pyrolysis process. For example, the presence of functional groups on the biochar surface, such as carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, may enhance its ability to adsorb hydrophobic organic compounds like phenanthrene. The reduced bioavailability of phenanthrene in biochar-amended soils may decrease the stress exerted on soil microbial communities, allowing microbial populations to recover and function more effectively. Furthermore, biochar can improve the soil's physical structure, including its aggregation and water-holding capacity, which further benefits microbial activity by maintaining a stable environment for microorganisms and preventing soil erosion and nutrient leaching [4].

Beyond mitigating phenanthrene toxicity, the addition of wheat straw-derived biochar to soil can promote the growth of plant-associated microorganisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi, which can benefit plant growth and nutrient uptake. Biochar’s ability to retain nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil can enhance the growth of plants, creating a more favorable environment for symbiotic relationships between plants and soil microbes. This, in turn, may lead to improved plant health and greater resistance to stressors such as pollution. The potential for biochar to act as both a soil conditioner and a bioremediator makes it an attractive tool for sustainable agricultural practices, especially in contaminated soils. By improving microbial health and facilitating the breakdown of pollutants, wheat straw-derived biochar contributes to the rehabilitation of polluted soils, fostering both environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity [5].

Conclusion

In conclusion, wheat straw-derived biochar has the potential to significantly enhance the resilience of soil microbial communities under phenanthrene stress. By improving soil physical properties, providing a habitat for microorganisms, and reducing the bioavailability of phenanthrene, biochar can help restore microbial diversity and activity in contaminated soils. This study highlights the dual role of biochar as a pollutant-degrading agent and a promoter of soil microbial health, making it a valuable tool for bioremediation and sustainable soil management. The benefits of biochar in alleviating phenanthrene toxicity extend beyond microbial communities, as biochar also contributes to improved soil structure, nutrient retention, and water conservation, all of which support healthier and more productive soils. While further research is needed to optimize biochar application rates and understand its long-term effects on soil ecosystems, the use of wheat straw-derived biochar represents a promising approach to addressing the challenges of PAH contamination in soils. By integrating biochar into agricultural practices, it is possible to reduce the environmental impact of pollutants while simultaneously improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable land management practices.

References

1. Wu, Chin-Chen, Shiu-Jen Chen and Mao-Hsiung Yen. "Effects of noise on blood pressure and vascular reactivities." Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 19 (1992): 833-838.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Wu, C. C., S. J. Chen and M. H. Yen. "Attenuation of endothelium-dependent relaxation in mesenteric artery during noise-induced hypertension." J Biomed Sci 1 (1993): 49-53.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at