Environmental remediation using nanomaterial as adsorbents for emerging micropollutants
Dennis Mwanza Nzilu, Edwin Shigwenya Madivoli, David Sujee Makhanu, Brian Victor Otenda, Patrick Gachoki Kareru, Pius K. Kairigo, Tuula Tuhkanen
Abstract
Water shortage and scarcity are issues of global concern. Water pollution caused by organic micropollutants further aggravates the problem, by rendering an already scarce resource unfit for human consumption. The existing conventional wastewater treatment methods and infrastructure were not designed to eliminate micropollutants. Therefore, their inefficiencies call for modern methods for removing emerging micropollutant residues such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs), personal care products and pesticides. The use of nanomaterials, for the abatement of micropollutants in water is gaining traction in recent years, due to the abundance of sustainable, cost-effective raw materials, especially plant extracts. Synthesis of nanoparticles and their application in removal of micropollutants in wastewater streams is addressed through this review.