Impact of Biochar Co-Amendments On Plant Uptake of Antibiotics Found in Biosolids.

Municipal biosolids containing pharmaceutical compounds are currently applied to agricultural fields as a soil amendment and present a potential hazard to soil, human and animal health.  Several studies have shown the bioaccumulation of these compounds from biosolids in agronomic plants.  The application of biochar, made via pyrolysis of agricultural waste sources, could minimize the bioavailability and mobility of organic pharmaceuticals found in biosolids.  Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effect of biochar on the uptake of ciprofloxacin, triclocarban and triclosan antibiotics in lettuce and carrot plants.