The number of contaminated sites is constantly growing and the remediation of polluted soils needs new environmentally and cost-effective technologies. M3R through a Ph.D. in higher education apprenticeship is developing a new microbial-based product functionalized on an inert support (biochar) for the remediation of hydrocarbon-polluted soils.

Biological treatment of complex contaminant mixtures requires a highly selected microbial community. Bioaugmentation involves the addition of specific microorganisms with desired metabolic capabilities to the contaminated matrix, this is one of the most promising strategies. The major critical issue with this technique is the low persistence of microorganisms into the treated matrix after inoculation, resulting in economic and time disadvantages.

Biochar is one of the pyrolysis products of biomass and has a porous, functionalized surface. Its use as a support for the growth of microbial inocula, promotes their persistence. In addition, biochar improves the characteristics of the treated soil and adsorbs contaminants, promoting their bioavailability. Thus, microbiologically activated biochar can be applied in the bioremediation of contaminated soil.