Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, May 25, 2026 – Another biochar production initiative has been launched, with the Mekong-Republic of Korea (RoK) Cooperation supporting this innovation not only to address air pollution, but this time, to remove arsenic from the Mekong River. The two-year BiochAR project will be implemented by Thailand’s National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) and funded under Call 9 of the Mekong-RoK Cooperation Fund (MKCF).
BiochAR, or “Sustainable Biochar Production for Arsenic Removal from Water,” will tackle the arsenic crisis that is increasingly affecting millions in Cambodia, Thailand, and Viet Nam who rely on surface and groundwater for various daily uses. Arsenic contamination in specific sites exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) limit of 10 mg/L, increasing the risk of cancer as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
With existing market solutions being costly and complex, BiochAR aims to convert agricultural residues into modified biochar, a charcoal-like, carbon-rich material that can be used as a low-cost arsenic absorbent while reducing open farm burning.
MTEC Executive Director Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin expressed his gratitude to the MKCF for the support, which he said will enable close collaboration among participating institutions, experts, and partners across the Mekong region.
In a video message at the project launch, Jinjoo Kang, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Thailand, highlighted the importance of environmental cooperation and the significance of the Mekong region while expressing best wishes for the successful implementation of the project.
BiochAR’s Project Advisory Committee (PAC) strongly recommended collaboration and knowledge exchange with other MKCF-supported projects working on biochar and farm waste-to-value initiatives, including those involving the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Engagement with health ministries is also encouraged to provide appropriate guidance on health-related aspects of the project, while establishing a social enterprise is seen as a strategy to support product development, manufacturing, and the sustainability of project gains.
Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Director of MKCF at the Mekong Institute, noted the region’s growing interest in biochar for addressing environmental issues. He stressed the importance of building partnerships to collectively respond to shared challenges.
