ECCS/
Articles/
2605003927
  • Open Access
  • Review

Engineered Biochar for Tetracycline Removal under Realistic Water Matrices: Structure–Performance–Deployment Framework

  • Abigail Mwin-nea Samwini,   
  • Md Nashir Uddin,   
  • Dong Hee Kang,   
  • Gbekeloluwa Oguntimein *

Received: 01 Apr 2026 | Revised: 28 Apr 2026 | Accepted: 14 May 2026 | Published: 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

The widespread presence of tetracycline (TC) in aquatic environments poses serious risks to ecosystems and public health due to its persistence and role in promoting antimicrobial resistance. Engineered biochar has become a promising and sustainable material for removing TC because of its adjustable physicochemical properties, low cost, and multiple interaction mechanisms. This review examines the current state of biochar-based TC removal through a structure–performance–application framework that integrates material design, mechanistic insights, and real-world applications. The analysis shows that choices of feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, and modification methods—such as chemical activation, doping with heteroatoms, and metal impregnation—shape the structural features that influence adsorption and catalytic breakdown through mechanisms like pore filling, π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction, and metal–ligand complexation. Although engineered biochars can achieve exceptionally high adsorption capacities (occasionally exceeding 1000 mg/g) under optimized laboratory conditions, most reported values fall within a broader range depending on feedstock, modification, and experimental conditions. However, their effectiveness can vary significantly in real water systems, where factors such as pH, ionic strength, natural organic matter, and other contaminants introduce competitive and inhibitory effects. Additionally, issues related to regeneration, stability, and declining performance pose major challenges for long-term use. Our review also highlights the huge gap between laboratory research and real-world implementation, stressing the importance of standardized testing, pilot-scale trials, and integration into continuous treatment systems. By linking material structure to function and operational practicality, our work offers a comprehensive guide for designing and scaling up engineered biochar technologies to effectively remove tetracycline from complex aquatic environments.

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10.53941/eccs.2026.100004
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Volume 2, Issue 1
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Samwini, A. M.-n.; Uddin, M. N.; Kang, D. H.; Oguntimein, G. Engineered Biochar for Tetracycline Removal under Realistic Water Matrices: Structure–Performance–Deployment Framework. Environmental Contamination: Causes and Solutions 2026, 2 (1), 4. https://doi.org/10.53941/eccs.2026.100004.
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