COMSATS University Islamabad

Islamabad Campus

Synopsis for the degree of  M.S./M.Phil. Ph.D

PART-1

Name of Student Kiran Imtiaz

Department Bio Sciences

Registration No.
Name of Research Supervisor
Title of Research Proposal
CIIT/SP22-RBS-012/ISB
Dr. Nazneen Bangash, Assistant Professor
Macro Algae Derived Biochar: Characterization and
Potential to Improve Plant Growth under Stress
Conditions

Summary of the Research Proposal

Heavy metal (HM) contamination of farming soils and water is a major concern due to human actions such as
development, heavy agrochemical use, and irrigation with waste. The primary cause of HMs soil pollution is
polluted sewage water, which contaminates water bodies or directly irrigates agricultural land. In order to reduce
environmental risks or their entrance into the food chain, organic materials are being synthesized to immobilise
heavy metals. Biochar contains carbon material in large quantity and obtained from process of pyrolysis in

absence of oxygen and can be used in farming land and agriculture It has been demonstrated that biochar
increases agricultural output, nutrient leaching, soil features and chemical characteristics, and the removal
of HMs and phosphorus from polluted waterways. However, how well biochar works to remediates for
the land polluted by heavy metal depends on the characteristics of the algal biochar. Algae can be used to
produce BC (biochar). Studies have examined that biochar produce from algae shows potential adsorption
of heavy metals.
This study uses cost-effective and eco-friendly algal biochar. It collects algal biomass samples from
different places in Islamabad, and application testing is used to check the efficacy of the algae biochar
depend on their features for heavy metal remediation in plants.
Introduction
One of the new concerns for worldwide is heavy metal (HM) contamination of farming soils and water as it causes
health issues and food toxicity. The main causes of HM contamination are human actions like development in the
mining industry, heavy agrochemical use, and irrigation with waste, among others (Rehman et al., 2018). The
primary cause of HMs soil pollution among all other sources is polluted sewage water, which primarily enters
farming soils through inundation and cause pollution of soil (Rehman et al., 2018). But because of the buildup of
HMs and other pollutants, the harmful long-term effects of such irrigation practices frequently exceed the positive
effects. There is very minute difference between shortage and venomousness of metal in soil (Aggett et al., 2022).
Additionally, Heavy metals can’t be destroyed through microorganisms or chemistry procedures, so the use of
chemical stability to confine contaminants in place has been acknowledged as a cleanup strategy (Bolan et al.
2014). Effective absorption is one of the primary mechanisms engaged in in-situ immobilization (Jiang et al.,
2012). In order to reduce environmental risks or their entrance into the food chain, a variety of organic materials
have been synthesized to immobilize or eliminate of heavy metals & phosphate from water solutions.(Shahat et al.,
2018)). However, it is not practical or cost-effective to use them on farming areas (Islam et al., 2019).
Adsorption is a widely advocated technique for getting rid of different heavy metals. This is true for several
reasons, including its low cost, high efficacy, and wide supply of various adsorbents. Existing research, however,
supports the promising number of bioremediation agents in the removal of numerous noxious metals from effluent.
Therefore, due to their capacity of renewal, widespread accessibility, efficacy rate, and eco-friendly character, there
has been an increase in interest in the study of enormous biomass feedstock (Bordoloi et al., 2020)
Recently, it was demonstrated that charcoal might decrease the bioavailability of HMs (Houben et al., 2013). Crop
yield has been shown to improve with biochar , nutrient leaching is reduced (Haider et al., 2017). Adsorption
process is used to enhance the soil's physical and chemical characteristics as well as to eliminate metals and PO43-
group from polluted waterways (Uchimiya et al., 2010). But how effective is biochar as a soil repair tool relies
largely on the features of the biochar (Chen et al. 2018). One of the main methods for removing heavy metals from
the environment using biochar is its direct absorption of the pollutants (Chen et al., 2018). With meticulous source
selection and modification of synthesizing conditions, biochar properties can therefore be created or made to meet
desired specs (Wang et al., 2021)
The kinds of feedstock, manufacturing temps, and processing circumstances have a significant impact on the
characteristics of biochar. For instance, compared to biochar created at low temperatures, biochar generated at
higher temps typically contains larger quantities of aromatic compounds and functional groups (Luo et al., 2015).
Additionally, the material can affect the nutrient state of biochar. Compared to wood-based feedstocks, straw-
derived biochar has greater concentrations of K+ and additional minerals (Qayyum et al., 2020). The functional
groups present on surface of biochar and absorbency can have an impact on a biochar's capacity to sorb a given
heavy metals (Abbas et al., 2020) . Compared to serpentine soil that hadn't been altered, the presence of heavy
metals (Chromium, Nickle, and Manganese) in the soil's In comparison to serpentine soil that hadn't been altered,
using 5% charcoal decreased the amount of Chromium, Nickle, and Manganese that were present in soil. Thus, it
was determined that adding charcoal to the soil helped to immobilize heavy metals (Chromium, Nickle, and
Manganese), which in turn decreased their solubility and phytotoxicity. The competing adsorption and desorption
processes for different heavy metals have also been disclosed by some biochar study (Li et al., 2022).
Scientists currently researching sustainable and renewable technologies all over the globe, and as a result, interest
in aquatic biomass, an environmentally favorable and abundant source of energy, has increased significantly
(Abbasi & Abbasi, 2010). An Advanced & maintainable method for contaminated water dealing is agronomy of
species of algae on non-cultivated area plays an active role in the phenomenon of carbon absorption, reduce the
release of greenhouse gas, and exhibit the higher photosynthetic process in comparison to other lignocellulose-
based biomasses, making it appear as a competent and sustainable energy mean for uses for industry (Bordoloi et
al.2020). Studies have examined the algae is powerful remediating agents for heavy metal toxicity (Nanda et al.,
2021). Another carbon-sequestration process that captures about 87 percent carbon and help in its lasting storage is
the creation of biochar from phytoplankton. Algae biomass can therefore is a viable and prospective mean for
creation of useful biochar because of these factors. One of the most promising bio-adsorbents, biochar is described
as a carbon containing material obtained through Process of pyrolysis from biomass of different feedstocks. It has
attracted more interest recently due to its excellent capacity of sorption in relation to different environmental
pollutants (Goswami et al., 2016). A number of thermochemical procedures, including combustion, gasification,
hydrothermal carbonization, and hydrothermal liquefaction, have also been used to create biochar from plant waste
(Kumar et al., 2018). To treat HMs toxicity in plants cultivated in polluted soil and irrigated by heavy metal
contaminated water or sewage-water, algal feedstock was used in the current research as a source for the production
of biochar. According to the theory, adding algal biochar to hardwood feedstocks will result in various biochar
characteristics and their impact on HMs bioavailability will vary. Due to its economic significance and crucial role
in ensuring the safety and security of the world's food supply, any economic seasonal crop plant was used as a test
crop. Furthermore, it was discovered in a meta-analysis that biochar decreased the level of heavy metals in plant
roots and stems
Statement of problem
Pakistan is a predominantly agricultural nation where cultivation provides the bulk of people's means of
subsistence. Heavy metal contamination of the earth, however, as a result of various anthropogenic activities like
industrialization and urbanization, has harmed agricultural growth and output. Heavy metals, which are poisonous
to plants and can build up in the food chain and pose significant health risks, include lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd),
mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As). Heavy metal cleanup in soil has been successfully accomplished using biochar, a
carbon-rich substance produced by the decomposition of organic materials. The ability of algal-based biochar to
absorb heavy metals, improve soil fertility, and stimulate plant development has also drawn attention to its use. The
use of algal-based biochar for heavy metal cleanup in Pakistan, however, has received relatively little study.
Therefore, the goal of this study is to as certain how well algal-based biochar can reduce the toxicity of heavy
metals in vegetation in Pakistan. The objective of the research is Algal-based biochar synthesis and characterization
and Evaluation of algal-based biochar's capacity to remove heavy metals from polluted soil. The research's
conclusions will be a useful source of knowledge for the creation of a long-lasting and affordable heavy metal
cleanup strategy in Pakistan.
Objectives of the Study
The objectives and goals of the current study are as follow:
1. Synthesis and Characterization of macro algae derived biochar
2. To assess the potential of algal biochar to improve plant growth under stress conditions.

Research Methodology
1. Sample collection and identification

Macro algal samples will be collected from different fresh water locations of Islamabad.
Morphological identification will be carried out in nutrient medium and under an electron microscope.
2. Biochar production

The samples will be washed with deionized water and then dried in an oven. After drying completely,
the algae will be grinded to powder form and converted to biochar through pyrolysis.
3. Characterization:

The algal biochar can be characterized using various techniques such as scanning electron
microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.

4. Remediation potential of Biochar:

After production of biochar, jar experiments will be conducted to check bioremediation of heavy metal
spiked soil by applying macroalgal biochar to the contaminated soil. The experimental design will be
randomized block design. During experiment plants will be watered properly. After harvesting of plants
all growth parameters as plant length, leaf area, dry mass of plant and wet mass of will be determined by
standard methods.
Expected result:
The findings of this research will provide valuable information for the development of a sustainable and
cost-effective solution for heavy metal toxicity remediation in plants.
Tentative Time Table:
Phase-I (1 month): Literature Review, Virtual Screening, synopsis submission.
Phase-II (2 months): Experiment with algal biochar characterization.
Phase-I11 (3 months): Experimental work with algal biochar with heavy metal remediation.
Phase-IV (2 month): Data Analysis.
PHASE V (2 months): Thesis / Paper write up.
GANNT CHART:
Activities Mar May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Apr
Literature
review
Virtual
screening
Synopsis
submission
In-Vitro study

Sample
collection
Experimental
work
Data analysis

Thesis writing
Bibliography:
Abbas, Q., Yousaf, B., Ullah, H., Ali, M. U., Zia-ur-Rehman, M., Rizwan, M., & Rinklebe, J. (2020).

Biochar-induced immobilization and transformation of silver-nanoparticles affect growth,

intracellular-radicles generation and nutrients assimilation by reducing oxidative stress in maize.

Journal of Hazardous Materials, 390, 121976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121976

Abbasi, T., & Abbasi, S. A. (2010). Biomass energy and the environmental impacts associated with its

production and utilization. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 14(3), 919–937.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2009.11.006

Aggett, P., Nordberg, G. F., & Nordberg, M. (2022). Essential metals: Assessing risks from deficiency

and toxicity. In Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals (pp. 385–406). Elsevier.

Bolan, N., Kunhikrishnan, A., Thangarajan, R., Kumpiene, J., Park, J., Makino, T., Kirkham, M. B., &

Scheckel, K. (2014). Remediation of heavy metal (loid) s contaminated soils–to mobilize or to

immobilize? Journal of Hazardous Materials, 266, 141–166.

Bordoloi, N., Tiwari, J., Kumar, S., Korstad, J., & Bauddh, K. (2020). Efficiency of algae for heavy metal

removal, bioenergy production, and carbon sequestration. Emerging Eco-Friendly Green

Technologies for Wastewater Treatment, 77–101.

Chen, D., Liu, X., Bian, R., Cheng, K., Zhang, X., Zheng, J., Joseph, S., Crowley, D., Pan, G., & Li, L.

(2018). Effects of biochar on availability and plant uptake of heavy metals – A meta-analysis.

Journal of Environmental Management, 222, 76–85.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.004

Goswami, R., Shim, J., Deka, S., Kumari, D., Kataki, R., & Kumar, M. (2016). Characterization of

cadmium removal from aqueous solution by biochar produced from Ipomoea fistulosa at different

pyrolytic temperatures. Ecological Engineering, 97, 444–451.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2016.10.007

Haider, G., Steffens, D., Moser, G., Müller, C., & Kammann, C. I. (2017). Biochar reduced nitrate
 leaching and improved soil moisture content without yield improvements in a four-year field

study. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 237, 80–94.

Houben, D., Evrard, L., & Sonnet, P. (2013). Mobility, bioavailability and pH-dependent leaching of

cadmium, zinc and lead in a contaminated soil amended with biochar. Chemosphere, 92(11),

1450–1457.

Jiang, J., Xu, R., Jiang, T., & Li, Z. (2012). Immobilization of Cu (II), Pb (II) and Cd (II) by the addition

of rice straw derived biochar to a simulated polluted Ultisol. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 229,

145–150.

Kumar, A., Joseph, S., Tsechansky, L., Privat, K., Schreiter, I. J., Schüth, C., & Graber, E. R. (2018).

Biochar aging in contaminated soil promotes Zn immobilization due to changes in biochar surface

structural and chemical properties. Science of The Total Environment, 626, 953–961.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.157

Li, W., Meng, J., Zhang, Y., Haider, G., Ge, T., Zhang, H., Li, Z., Yu, Y., & Shan, S. (2022). Co-

pyrolysis of sewage sludge and metal-free/metal-loaded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics

improved biochar properties and reduced environmental risk of heavy metals. Environmental

Pollution, 302, 119092. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119092

Luo, L., Xu, C., Chen, Z., & Zhang, S. (2015). Properties of biomass-derived biochars: Combined effects

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2015.05.054

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Iqbal, M. F. (2018). Efficiency of various sewage sludges and their biochars in improving selected

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223, 607–613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.06.081

Shahat, A., Hassan, H. M., El-Shahat, M., El Shahawy, O., & Awual, M. R. (2018). Visual nickel (II) ions

treatment in petroleum samples using a mesoporous composite adsorbent. Chemical Engineering

 Journal, 334, 957–967.

Uchimiya, M., Lima, I. M., Klasson, K. T., & Wartelle, L. H. (2010). Contaminant immobilization and

nutrient release by biochar soil amendment: Roles of natural organic matter. Chemosphere, 80(8),

935–940.

Wang, J., Shi, L., Zhai, L., Zhang, H., Wang, S., Zou, J., Shen, Z., Lian, C., & Chen, Y. (2021). Analysis

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111261

PART II

Signature by the Student:

Name of Student: Kiran Imtiaz

Signature: ____________________ Date: _______________________

Recommendation by the Research Supervisor

Name: Dr. Nazneen Bangash

Signature: _____________________ Date: __________________

Signed by Supervisory Committee

S. # Name of Committee Member Designation Signature and Date

1
2
3
4
 Approved by Departmental Advisory Committee

Certified that the synopsis has been seen by members of DAC and considered it suitable for putting up to
BASAR.

Secretary
Departmental Advisory Committee

Name: Dr. Syed Tahir Abbas Shah

Signature: ________________________ Date: ________________________

Chairman/HOD: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser Fatmi

Signature: _______________________ Date: _________________________

PART III

Dean, Faculty of Sciences

__________________ Approved for placement before BASAR.

__________________ Not Approved on the basis of following reasons

Signature ______________________________ Date ________________

Secretary BASAR

___________________ Approved from BASAR.

___________________ Not Approved on the basis of the following reasons

Signature ______________________________ Date ________________

Dean Faculty of Sciences

Remarks:
___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________ Date______________________