Earthworms increase the potential for enzymatic bio-activation of biochars made from co-pyrolyzing animal manures and plastic wastes

We assessed the enzymatic activation of four different biochars produced
from pyrolyzing swine manure and poultry litter, and by co-pyrolyzing
these livestock residues with agricultural spent mulch plastic film wastes
(plastichars). Enzymatic activation consisted of incubating biochars in
soil inoculated with earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris), which acted as
biological vectors to facilitate retention of extracellular enzymes onto
biochar surface. The activity of carboxylesterase ‒a pesticide-detoxifying
enzyme‒ was measured in non-bioturbed soils (reference), linings of the
burrows created by earthworms, casts (feces) and biochar particles
recovered from the soil.