Insights into the mechanisms underlying the biodegradation of phenanthrene in biochar-amended soil: from bioavailability to soil microbial communities

Abstract

Highlights Biochar affected phenanthrene mineralization by reducing bioavailability and altering soil bacterial communities. Biochar had different effects on mineralization of phenanthrene with different concentrations in soil. Bioavailability dominated mineralization over bacterial activity in biochar-amended soil with low phenanthrene concentration. Bacterial proliferation rather than bioavailability reduction by biochar regulated high-concentration phenanthrene mineralization.

Keywords

• Biochar
• PAHs
• Microbial availability
• Soil microbial communities
• Mineralization