Research and collaborations.
Biochar applications.
There are significant benefits to people and nature that can be achieved if successful strategies can be developed that combine biochar-based CDR with natural habitat restoration and rehabilitation of contaminated land. By working together, we will be able to gradually increase knowledge on how to scale adoption of biochar for the rehabilitation of degraded land in mining districts.
The community grows maize on contaminated land next to mines…
Mining serves an important purpose and has for centuries built societies. Access to metals and minerals is a prerequisite for building a sustainable society. Mining is also an important source of income for many local communities. But the demand for minerals also comes with sustainability consequences. Mining involves both exploration, construction, and operation and can lead to a negative impact on the environment in several areas. A change in land use can generate deforestation, erosion, pollution of land and local watercourses and wetlands. Mining is growing fast globally and the need to rehabilitate disturbed areas will grow along with it.
Collaborations for increased knowledge
In addition to environmental aspects, there are negative health effects. Dr. Ngure is an environmental health scientist at Kenya’s Laikipia University, who has done research at gold mines in Kenya, showing that abandoned mining tailings have major health implications such as retarded growth and brain development (e.g., Ngure & Kinuthia, 2020, J. of Geochemical Exploration).
Biochar - potential to reduce toxics and create regrowth
Research has examined the efficacy of biochar for contaminated soil remediation. One study that specifically used sugarcane bagasse biochar that was added to mine-contaminated agricultural soil indicated that application at 7% biochar to soil effectively increased plant biomass, and reduced bioaccumulation and dietary intake of harmful metals as well as associated health risks as compared to other treatments and the control (Khan et al., 2020, Environmental Pollution).