Advances in cobalt-based nanomaterials for wastewater treatment: Mechanistic insights and future directions

Abstract

The effectiveness of cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) in eliminating contaminants such as dyes, heavy metals, and bacteria resistant to antibiotics is highlighted in this review, which also examines the synthesis techniques and uses of CoNPs in wastewater treatment. Water quality has been greatly impacted by the toxic pollutants that have been released into aquatic ecosystems as a result of rapid industrialization. Traditional methods of treatment, like chemical reactions and membrane filtration, are frequently expensive, energy-intensive, and produce secondary waste. Because of their high surface area, reactivity, and adsorption capabilities, CoNPs offer a sustainable replacement that effectively binds and breaks down pollutants. It emphasizes their use in tannery wastewater treatment, hybrid filtration systems, and advanced oxidation processes. Furthermore, CoNPs' potential to target bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics is being studied more and more. This review highlights the drawbacks of conventional techniques and presents CoNPs as an adaptable and effective method to address environmental issues in water treatment, opening the door for further advancements in this area.