Application of magnesium and biosurfactant functionalized biochar composite in treating cyanobacteria in phosphorus and crude oil contaminated water

Abstract Various human activities have led to multiple contamination of natural water systems. The present study investigated the effect a novel multifunctional biochar treat nutrients, oil, and harmful algae in water. Specifically, magnesium (Mg) biosurfactant rhamnolipid (RL) were incorporated into biochar, including Mg-biochar, RL-biochar, Mg-RL-biochar. Their adsorption efficiency on phosphate total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) was evaluated separate batch studies. Also, inhibition RL-modified biochars cyanobacteria investigated. results showed that Mg-impregnated high capacity (118 mg g −1 ), while significantly reduced TPH (especially aromatic light aliphatic fraction) with 44.4 . effects composites without contaminants order Mg-RL-biochar > RL-biochar biomass reduction ranging 61–64%. Overall, suggested based this due its ability remove PO 4 3− TPH, inhibit growth toxic algae. Graphical abstract