Recent advances and prospects of neonicotinoid insecticides removal from aquatic environments using biochar: Adsorption and degradation mechanisms

In recent years, neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs), representing a new era of pest control, have increasingly replaced traditional classes such as organophosphorus compounds, carbamates, and pyrethroids due to their precise targeting and broad-spectrum efficacy. However, the high water solubility of NNIs has led to their pervasion in aquatic ecosystems, raising concerns about potential risks to non-target organisms and human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need for research on remediating NNI contamination in aquatic environments. This study demonstrates that biochar, characterized by its extensive surface area, intricate pore structure, and high degree of aromaticity holds significant promise for removing NNIs from water. The highest reported adsorption capacity of biochar for NNIs stands at 738.0 mg·g−1 with degradation efficiencies reaching up to 100.0 %. This review unveils that the interaction mechanisms between biochar and NNIs primarily involve π-π interactions, electrostatic interactions, pore filling, and hydrogen bonding. Additionally, biochar facilitates various degradation pathways including Fenton reactions, photocatalytic, persulfate oxidations, and biodegradation predominantly through radical (such as SO4−, OH, and O2−) as well as non-radical (such as 1O2 and electrons transfer) processes. This study emphasizes the dynamics of interaction between biochar surfaces and NNIs during adsorption and degradation aiming to elucidate mechanistic pathways involved as well as assess the overall efficacy of biochar in NNI removal. By comparing the identification of degradation products and degradation pathways, the necessity of advanced oxidation process is confirmed. This review highlights the significance of harnessing biochar's potential for mitigating NNI pollution through future application-oriented research and development endeavors, while simultaneously ensuring environmental integrity and promoting sustainable practices.