The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capability of Aspergillus tubingensis and Talaromyces islandicus to solubilize inorganic phosphorus sources, their activity under abiotic stress, and the enhancement of P availability in soils and plant growth. The P-solubilizing capability and acidification mechanism of the strains were assessed in vitro using tricalcium phosphate and rock phosphate. Independent assays were conducted with rock phosphate under NaCl and fungicides carbendazim, chlorothalonil, and propamocarb hydrochloride using a factorial design. Thereafter, the effects of fungal inoculations in rock phosphate–amended soil and P nutrition of Zea mays were assessed in a greenhouse experiment. Both fungi solubilized P in vitro via acidification through the exudation of acetic, citric, lactic, malic, quinic, and succinic acids. The P-solubilizing efficiency of A. tubingensis was maintained above 97.5% under 0.5 to 3.0% NaCl, up to 28.7% in the treatment with carbendazim, up to 5.3% with chlorothalonil, and above 96.5% with propamocarb hydrochloride; while T. islandicus efficiency decreased to 45.2% in a NaCl concentration-dependent trend, and maintained it above 80% in the fungicide treatments. The inoculation with A. tubingensis increased the available P in the amended soil by up to 65% after 30 days and resulted in 87% higher foliar P content, 111% greater plant height, and 25% greater dry weight of maize shoots. Similarly, T. islandicus contributed to these parameters in 55, 67, 90, and 17%, respectively. These findings suggest their potential as qualified phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms to develop novel and sustainable approaches for P fertilization in agriculture.

Biochar has gained significant attention as a multifunctional material linking biomass energy technologies with sustainable agriculture, providing combined benefits in soil improvement, waste valorization, and climate mitigation. This review examines biochar within the context of thermochemical conversion processes—pyrolysis, gasification, and torrefaction—and summarizes the operational parameters that influence both energy yields and biochar quality. It synthesizes agronomic, environmental, and engineering research to explain the mechanisms through which biochar enhances soil structure, nutrient retention, water availability, microbial activity, and carbon stability. The review also assesses its role as a long-term carbon sink and its potential integration into negative-emission systems such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). However, the way that biomass conversion factors concurrently influence energy performance, biochar physicochemical quality, and its agronomic and climate-mitigation consequences across many environmental contexts is rarely integrated into a unified analytical framework in current evaluations. To close that gap, this review identifies cross-cutting patterns, trade-offs, and uncertainties while methodically integrating the information on the co-behavior of various aspects. Circular economy initiatives, carbon markets, and rural development are mentioned as key potential. On the other hand, economic variability, variable performance across soil types, lack of regulatory harmonization, rivalry for biomass, and logistical limits are big hurdles. Standardized production techniques, long-term field research, life cycle and techno-economic evaluations, and integrated system design are among the top research priorities. Overall, the evidence suggests that biochar is a promising tool for creating resilient and low-carbon agriculture and energy systems, provided that scientific, technological, and governance advancements are coordinated.

Gold mining has helped many countries and regions grow and prosper. Yet, because of the significant environmental effects produced, waste management (mine tailings) has emerged as a crucial issue for the sector. In this study, the concentrations of several potential toxic elements (PTEs) (Fe, Zn, Cu, As, Hg, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Ni) in mine tailings from four gold mining operations (Yalí, Puerto Berrio, Buriticá 1, and Buriticá 2,) were quantified. A biomonitoring system has also been suggested, along with two environmental risk indexes for ecosystems and human health. To do this, composite samples of tailings were collected from the four regions. A PTEs analysis using an ICP-OES as well as physicochemical characterization (pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, organic matter) have been performed. Indicators such as antioxidant activity and H₂O₂ content in Phaseolus vulgaris plants have been used to estimate the bioavailability of PTEs. In contrast to the pseudo-total concentration, the data showed that the bioavailable concentration of PTEs correlated with the risk. The ecological system and public health are more at risk from the mine tailings in Buriticá and Puerto Berrio. It has been demonstrated that P. vulgaris is a quick and effective technique to assess the danger to the environment and public health connected with mining regions, according to the suggested biomonitoring system. The findings of this study can assist the relevant authorities in taking quick action to improve environmental protection and risk management of hazardous waste in gold mining areas.