As excess phosphorus in water bodies causes eutrophication, biochar can be used as an adsorbent to remove phosphorus from water, thus increasing the circularity of phosphorus in the society. This literature review is a summary of recent research on optimised uptake of phosphorus by sediment derived biochar. A thorough literature review was conducted where the databases Scopus, Web of Science and Primo were used, thus resulting in scientific publications were collected and reviewed. As a result, different technologies for biochar production were described, starting with pre-treatment by drying and crushing, followed by pyrolysis of the feedstock of choice and finally post-treatment technologies by chemical metal loading. The post-treatment technologies are mainly impacting the phosphorus uptake, where metal loading benefits the charge on the biochar surface. In general, modified biochar is of preference compared to unmodified biochar, due to its larger surface area, stronger adsorption capacity, and surface functional groups. Particularly a charge by metals on the biochar surface will significantly improve the adsorption capacity of phosphorus on biochar. Based on the review, it can be concluded that biochar technology is in its infancy, representing a new, cost effective, and environmentally-friendly solution for the increased circularity of phosphorus. Future research on modified biochar production is needed.