Adsorptive remediation of wastewater pollutants using different nanomaterials

Abstract

Water is an essential element for human resources. The contamination of water with toxic pollutants is the biggest global challenge. Water is contaminated with various toxic inorganic (heavy metals) and organic (dyes) pollutants. Water pollution is primarily created by human-made activities, including household, agricultural and industrial waste. Nanotechnology is promising to ensure safe and healthy drinking water. The review provides a brief overview of recent nanomaterials developments, such as their usage as nano adsorbents, for water treatment processes. Nanomaterials have high adsorption capacity due to their higher surface-to-volume ratio. The main focus of this review article is on the adsorptive remediation of water pollutants. Nanomaterials for adsorptive remediation of pollutants (heavy metals and dyes) are categorized as organic (carbon and graphene-based) and inorganic (metals and metals oxides-based) nanomaterials. They can be modified with different functional groups to increase their adsorption capacity. The adsorption capacity of nanomaterials to adsorb the pollutants depends on pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial pollutants concentration. The nanomaterials provide a powerful alternative to conventional treatment approaches due to improved adsorption capacity. However, nanotechnology needs to overcome the environmental concerns and cost-effectiveness of nanomaterials. The regeneration and reuse of nanomaterials can enable it.