The removal of pharmaceutical pollutants from aqueous solution by Agro-waste
Deborah Temitope Bankole, Abimbola Peter Oluyori, Adejumoke A. Inyinbor
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are a unique class of emerging contaminants owing to their intrinsic ability to induce physiological effects on man and animals at low concentrations. Pharmaceuticals are released into the environment via diverse routes; human and animal wastes are the major sources. The persistence and mode of action of pharmaceuticals in the environment make them a major concern. Among methods available for wastewater treatment, the adsorption technique is found to be effective and easy to operate. The expensive nature of commercial activated carbons, however, created a limitation to the adsorption technique; hence the exploration for low-cost and sustainable adsorbents for the removal of different categories of water contaminants. Agricultural wastes offer such advantages as low-cost, abundance and eco-friendly materials in adsorbent preparation. Herein presented are the category and classes of pharmaceuticals cum the risks associated with pharmaceuticals released into the environment. The chemistry of activated carbon/agro wastes viz-a-viz suitability and potency in adsorption of different pharmaceutical waste removal were reviewed; the benefits associated with agricultural wastes usage in pharmaceutical removal have also been presented. Various challenges, gaps cum research prospects in the current field of discussion are herein presented. This work will serve as a tool for public education and enlightenment, help environmentalists make plans for envisaged threats and serve as a guide for policy makers.