Assessment of the properties of aging biochar used as a substrate in constructed wetlands

Biochar has gained global recognition as an effective tool for environmental remediation, and is increasingly being used as an alternative substrate in constructed wetlands (CWs). While, most studies have focused on the positive effects of biochar for the pollutant removal in CWs, less is known about aging and longevity of the embedded biochar. This study investigated the aging and stability of biochar embedded in CWs post-treating the effluent of a municipal and an industrial wastewater treatment plant. Litter bags containing biochar were inserted into two aerated horizontal subsurface flow CWs (350 m² each), and retrieved on several dates (8–775 days after burial) for assessment of weight loss/gain and changes in biochar characteristics. Additionally, a 525-day laboratory incubation test was conducted to analyze biochar mineralization. The results showed that there was no significant biochar weight loss over time, but a slight increase in weight (2.3–3.0%) was observed at the end, likely due to mineral sorption. Biochar pH remained stable except for a sudden drop at the beginning (8.6–8.1), while the electrical conductivity continued to increase (96–256 μS cm⁻¹) throughout the experiment. The sorption capacity of the aged biochar for methylene blue significantly increased (1.0–1.7 mg g⁻¹), and a change in the biochar's elemental composition was also noted, with O-content increasing by 13–61% and C content decreasing by 4–7%. Despite these changes, the biochar remained stable according to the criteria of the European Biochar Foundation and International Biochar Initiative. The incubation test also showed negligible biochar mass loss (<0.02%), further validating the stability of the biochar. This study provides important insights into the evolution of biochar characteristics in CWs.