Harnessing Orange peel Biochar for Sustainable Agriculture: A Remediation Approach to Microplastic- Contaminated Soil

Abstract
Since microplastic pollution in agricultural soils changes soil structure, decreases nutrient availability, and diminishes crop production, it is a growing global problem. A stable carbonaceous substance produced by pyrolysis, biochar has drawn interest for its potential to enhance soil health and lessen environmental stressors. In order to improve wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) development in microplastic-contaminated soils, this study assessed the efficacy of orange-peel biochar (OPB) as a soil amendment. Three soil types—sandy loam, clay loam, and loamy—were used in a controlled pot experiment. Each soil type was treated with OPB at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% (w/w). Both soil characteristics (pH, organic carbon, accessible nutrients, microbial biomass, and enzyme activity) and growth metrics (germination, plant height, root and shoot biomass, and grain yield) were evaluated.

1.0% OPB considerably improved wheat performance, with increases in plant height (+28%), root biomass (+35%), shoot biomass (+31%), and grain yield (+29%) in comparison to controls, according to statistical analysis (ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, α = 0.05). Benefits were particularly noticeable in sandy loam soils, where yield increased by 42%. Higher pH (5.8 → 6.4), organic carbon (+20%), accessible phosphorus (+25%), potassium (+40%), and microbial biomass (+45%) are all signs of enhanced soil fertility. Urease and catalase enzyme activity rose by 25–40%, indicating improved microbial function. Doses greater than 2.0%, however, demonstrated declining results, highlighting the necessity of rate optimization.

These results show that modest OPB treatment can improve soil fertility, reduce stress caused by microplastics, and increase wheat yield in a sustainable manner.

Keywords: Orange peel biochar, wheat, microplastics, soil amendment, crop yield, sustainable agriculture