<p>Antibiotics pose potential risks to human health and soil ecosystems due to their widespread use in treating bacterial infections. Algae-based biochar, a type of pyrogenic black carbon derived from abundant and low-cost resources, has emerged as a promising alternative material for removing antibiotics. This paper critically evaluates the effectiveness of algae-based biochar in removing antibiotics from wastewater and water, focusing on activation and modification methods that significantly enhance its performance compared to pristine biochar. This work also systematically explores various types of algal biomass with strong potential for antibiotic adsorption in aqueous media. Furthermore, this review summarizes key aspects of adsorption kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics, and the underlying mechanisms involved. The primary mechanisms for antibiotic adsorption onto surfaces of algae-based biochar include π-π interactions, pore filling, electrostatic interaction, and H-bonding. In most cases, the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models accurately describe the adsorption data. Thermodynamic studies indicate that the adsorption of most antibiotics onto algae-based biochar is a spontaneous and endothermic process. This review offers a comprehensive understanding of algae-based biochar as sustainable and practical materials for antibiotic adsorption, considering their economic, social, and environmental perspectives. It also highlights their potential for renewable and low-cost production to remediate contaminated aqueous solutions.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>