<p>As a new material for remediating emerging contaminants (ECs) such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), antibiotics, and microplastics (MNPs), modified biochar provides two main benefits: carbon storage/emission reduction and soil quality improvement. Nevertheless, bottlenecks for its large-scale application include low regeneration efficiency and unclear competitive adsorption mechanisms in multi-contaminant systems. This study examines the removal of four types of ECs through various biochar modifications. It demonstrates how adsorption-catalysis and microbial activation work in tandem. The study also identifies key influencing factors, including interference from soil organic matter, interfacial electron transfer kinetics, and pH dependence. Bridging laboratory-field efficacy gaps, we propose a three-stage optimisation pathway: (1) developing targeted modifications for complex matrices; (2) establishing in situ regeneration and cross-media risk monitoring systems; (3) advancing research on EC-modified biochar-microbe interactions. Finally, we stress the need to combine methods from environmental chemistry, soil ecology, and materials science. This will help develop affordable technologies and clean ecosystems on a large scale. These efforts provide both theoretical models and technical support for managing ECs.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>