Carbon quantum dots loaded-micro carriers production approaches, a promising adsorbent for contaminated soils remediation (A review)

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Department of Soil Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in soils presents a critical environmental challenge, threatening ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and human health. Conventional remediation techniques, such as biochar application, are limited by hydrophobicity, particle aggregation, and inefficient soil interaction. This study introduces a novel, sustainable adsorbent for heavy metal immobilization: carbon quantum dots (CQDs) loaded onto cyanobacteria-derived microcarriers. CQDs, with their high surface area, hydrophilicity, and abundant functional groups, offer superior adsorption potential. However, their direct use is hindered by mobility and separation challenges. To address this, cyanobacteria—rich in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)—are utilized as dual precursors for CQD synthesis and microcarrier fabrication via the oilothermal pyrolysis method. This innovative technique employs an oil medium to prevent EPS dissolution during pyrolysis, enabling simultaneous carbonization of cyanobacterial cells and EPS into stable, spherical CQD-microcarrier composites. The resulting adsorbent combines the high adsorption capacity of CQDs with the structural advantages of microcarriers, ensuring uniform soil distribution, resistance to microbial degradation, and ease of separation. Experimental results demonstrate exceptional efficacy in immobilizing cadmium, with adsorption capacities exceeding traditional biochar by 40–60%, attributed to the composite’s hydrophilic functional groups (e.g., -OH, -COOH) and enhanced soil contact. The oilothermal method eliminates the need for costly precursors or hazardous equipment, offering a scalable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution. By integrating cyanobacteria cultivation, waste valorization, and one-step synthesis, this approach advances in-situ soil remediation, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies. The study underscores the potential of bio-based nanomaterials in sustainable environmental management, providing a blueprint for efficient, low-cost heavy metal mitigation while aligning with circular economy principles.

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References

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Dryland Soil Research (DLSR)
Volume 1, Issue 2
December 2024
Pages 93-101

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