Recent Progress in Nanomaterials for Adsorptive Removal of Organic Contaminants from Wastewater

Agricultural biomass/waste-based materials could be a potential adsorption-type remediation contributor to environmental pollution induced by pesticides-A critical review

The widespread use of pesticides that are inevitable to keep the production of food grains brings serious environmental pollution problems. Turning agricultural biomass/wastes into materials addressing the issues of pesticide contaminants is a feasible strategy to realize the reuse of wastes. Several works summarized the current applications of agricultural biomass/waste materials in the remediation of environmental pollutants. However, few studies systematically take the pesticides as an unitary target pollutant. This critical review comprehensively described the remediation effects of crop-derived waste (cereal crops, cash crops) and animal-derived waste materials on pesticide pollution. Adsorption is considered a superior and highlighted effect between pesticides and materials. The review generalized the sources, preparation, characterization, condition optimization, removal efficiency and influencing factors analysis of agricultural biomass/waste materials. Our work mainly emphasized the promising results in lab experiments, which helps to clarify the current application status of these materials in the field of pesticide remediation. In the meantime, rigorous pros and cons of the materials guide to understand the research trends more comprehensively. Overall, we hope to achieve a large-scale use of agricultural biomass/wastes.

Recent advances of piezo-catalysis and photocatalysis for efficient environmental remediation

The efficient degradation of organic pollutants in diverse environmental matrices can be achieved through the synergistic application of piezo-catalysis and photocatalysis. The focus of this study is on understanding the fundamental principles and mechanisms that govern the collaborative action of piezoelectric and photocatalytic materials. Piezoelectric nanomaterials, under mechanical stress, generate piezo-potential, which, when coupled with photocatalysts, enhances the generation and separation of charge carriers. The resulting cascade of redox reactions promotes the degradation of a wide spectrum of organic pollutants. The comprehensive investigation involves a variety of experimental techniques, including advanced spectroscopy and microscopy, to elucidate the intricate interplay between mechanical and photoinduced processes. The influence of key parameters, such as material composition, morphology, and external stimuli on the catalytic performance, is systematically explored. This study contributes to the increasing knowledge of environmental remediation and lays the foundation for the development of advanced technologies using piezo and photocatalysis for sustainable pollutant removal.

Highly efficient visible-LED-driven photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline and rhodamine B over Bi2WO6/BiVO4 heterostructures decorated with silver and graphene synthesized by a novel green method

Visible-light-driven Bi2WO6/BiVO4 (BWO/BVO) heterostructures were obtained by joining BWO and BVO n-type semiconductors. A novel and green metathesis-assisted molten salt route was applied to synthesize BWO/BVO. This route is straightforward, high-yield, intermediate temperature, and was successful for obtaining BWO/BVO heterostructures with several ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:1 w/w). Besides, the 1BWO/1BVO was decorated with Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs, 6 wt.%) and graphene (G, 3 wt.%), applying simple and environmentally responsible procedures. The heterostructures were characterized by XRD, Raman, UV-Vis DRS, TEM/HRTEM, PL, and Zeta potential techniques. Ag-NPs and G effectively boosted the photocatalytic activity of 1BWO/1BVO for degrading tetracycline (TC) and rhodamine B (RhB) pollutants. A lab-made 19-W blue LED photoreactor was designed, constructed, and operated to induce the photoactivity of BWO/BVO heterostructures. The low-rated power consumption of the photoreactor (0.01-0.04 kWh) vs. the percent degradation of TC or RhB (%XTC = 73, %XRhB = 100%) is one of the outstanding features of this study. Besides, scavenger tests determined that holes and superoxides are the main oxidative species that produced TC and RhB oxidation. Ag/1BWO/1BVO exhibited high stability in reuse photocatalytic cycles.

Recent Advances in Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-Based Composites for Organic Effluent Remediation

Environmental pollution caused by organic effluents emitted by industry has become a worldwide issue and poses a serious threat to the public and the ecosystem. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), comprising metal-containing clusters and organic bridging ligands, are porous and crystalline materials, possessing fascinating shape and size-dependent properties such as high surface area, abundant active sites, well-defined crystal morphologies, and huge potential for surface functionalization. To date, numerous well designated MOFs have emerged as critical functional materials to solve the growing challenges associated with water environmental issues. Here we present the recent progress of MOF-based materials and their applications in the treatment of organic effluents. Firstly, several traditional and emerging synthesis strategies for MOF composites are introduced. Then, the structural and functional regulations of MOF composites are presented and analyzed. Finally, typical applications of MOF-based materials in treating organic effluents, including chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, and agricultural wastewaters are summarized. Overall, this review is anticipated to tailor design and regulation of MOF-based functional materials for boosting the performance of organic effluent remediation.

Effective removal of malachite green oxalate from aqueous solution using Newbouldia laevis husk/MWCNTs nanocomposite: equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics

The discharge of colored effluent into water bodies is a big concern; hence, the current work was designed to fabricate a superior nanocomposite (NBM) using the Newbouldia laevis husk (NB) and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) for the adsorption of malachite green oxalate (MGO). Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface analysis was used to assess the specific surface area of NB (0.7699 m2 g-1) and NBM (94.006 m2 g-1). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to determine the chemical moieties on the surface of the adsorbent. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to analyze the surface morphology and the thermal behavior of the adsorbents. Essential factors of the adsorption process were investigated, and it was revealed that pH 6.0, adsorbent dose of 0.05 g, contact time 80 min, concentration of 100 mg dm-3 and maximum adsorption capacity of 35.78 mg g-1 (NB) and 69.97 mg g-1 (NBM) were the optimal parameters. The NB and NBM adsorption processes followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The exothermic and endothermic adsorptive processes were noticed to be the best descriptions of MGO elimination by NB and NBM, respectively. The uptake of MGO by NB and NBM was best described by models of Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. Besides, NBM demonstrated uptake efficiency that is >80% after the fourth adsorption/desorption cycle. As a result, NBM has a wide range of possible uses in environmental remediation.

Basic magnesium sulfate@TiO2 composite for efficient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of 4-dodecylmorpholine in brine

More than 70% of the potash fertilizer globally is produced by the froth flotation process, in which 4-dodecylmorpholine (DMP) serves as a reverse flotation agent. As the potash fertilizer production rapidly rises, the increased DMP levels in discharged brine pose a threat to the production of high-value chemicals. In this paper, composite particles of basic magnesium sulfate@TiO2 (BMS@TiO2) were prepared using a simple and mild loading method. These particles were utilized for the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of DMP in brine. Compared with normal powdered materials, the granular BMS@TiO2 in this study can be easily separated from liquid, and the degradation intermediates will not enter the brine without causing secondary pollution. BMS@TiO2 consists of 5·1·7 phase (5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·7H2O) whisker clusters embedding 2.3% TiO2. The adsorption equilibrium of DMP on BMS@TiO2 particles was achieved through hydrogen bonding and pore interception with the adsorption capacity of approximately 5 mg g-1 after 6 h. The photodegradation efficiency of DMP adsorbed on BMS@TiO2 reached about 92% within 16 h, which is compared with that of pure TiO2 nanoparticles. Additionally, excellent stability and recyclability of BMS@TiO2 were also observed in five cycle tests of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of DMP, and the possible photocatalytic degradation pathways and mechanism of DMP are proposed following molecular electrostatic potential analysis. This work provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for eliminating organic micropollutants from water environments.

Enhanced Adsorption of Methyl Orange from Aqueous Phase Using Chitosan-Palmer Amaranth Biochar Composite Microspheres

To develop valuable applications for the invasive weed Palmer amaranth, we utilized it as a novel biochar source and explored its potential for methyl orange adsorption through the synthesis of chitosan-encapsulated Palmer amaranth biochar composite microspheres. Firstly, the prepared microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and were demonstrated to have a surface area of 19.6 m2/g, a total pore volume of 0.0664 cm3/g and an average pore diameter of 10.6 nm. Then, the influences of pH, dosage and salt type and concentration on the adsorption efficiency were systematically investigated alongside the adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics. The results reveal that the highest adsorption capacity of methyl orange was obtained at pH 4.0. The adsorption process was well fitted by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model, and was spontaneous and endothermic. Through the Langmuir model, the maximal adsorption capacities of methyl orange were calculated as 495.0, 537.1 and 554.3 mg/g at 25.0, 35.0 and 45.0 °C, respectively. Subsequently, the adsorption mechanisms were elucidated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations. It is indicated that electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions and hydrophobic interactions between methyl orange and the composite microspheres were pivotal for the adsorption process. Finally, the regeneration studies demonstrated that after five adsorption-desorption cycles, the microspheres still maintained 93.6% of their initial adsorption capacity for methyl orange. This work not only presents a promising method for mitigating methyl orange pollution but also offers a sustainable approach to managing Palmer amaranth invasion.

Surface-Functionalized Magnetic Silica-Malachite Tricomposite (Fe-M-Si tricomposite): A Promising Adsorbent for the Removal of Cypermethrin

This study assessed the efficacy of adsorption for eliminating the agricultural pesticide cypermethrin (CP) from wastewater using various adsorbents: silica, malachite, and magnetite. Magnetic nanocomposites (NCs) (with varying amounts of Fe3O4 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt/wt %) were synthesized, including Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs), bicomposites, and tricomposites, calcined at 300 and 500 °C, and then tested for CP removal. The study was conducted in two phases, with the objective of initially assessing how effectively each individual NP performed and then evaluating how effectively the NCs performed when used for the adsorption of CP. Notably, the Fe3O4-malachite combination exhibited superior CP removal, with the 0.25-Fe-M NC achieving the highest adsorption at 635.4 mg/g. This success was attributed to the large surface area, magnetic properties of Fe3O4, and adsorption capabilities of malachite. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) isotherm analysis indicated that the NCs had potential applications in adsorption and separation processes. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed the spherical, irregular shaped morphology of the synthesized NPs and NCs. However, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of surface functionalized materials such as surface functionalized malachite [Cu2CO3(OH)2] with Fe3O4 and SiO2 may be complicated by the specific functionalization method used and the relative amounts and crystallographic orientations of each component. Therefore, careful interpretation and analysis of the XRD pattern, along with other techniques, are necessary for accurate identification and characterization of the functionalized material. The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive investigation of several adsorbents and NCs for CP removal at neutral pH. The innovation stems from the synergistic action of Fe3O4 and malachite, which results in improved CP removal due to their combined surface properties and magnetic characteristics. The application of magnetic NCs in adsorption and separation, as validated by BET isotherm analysis, highlights the potential breakthrough in addressing pesticide contamination.

Catalytic innovations: Improving wastewater treatment and hydrogen generation technologies

The effective reduction of hazardous organic pollutants in wastewater is a pressing global concern, necessitating the development of advanced treatment technologies. Pollutants such as nitrophenols and dyes, which pose significant risks to both human and aquatic health, making their reduction particularly crucial. Despite the existence of various methods to eliminate these pollutants, they are not without limitations. The utilization of nanomaterials as catalysts for chemical reduction exhibits a promising alternative owing to their distinguished catalytic activity and substantial surface area. For catalytically reducing the pollutants NaBH4 has been utilized as a useful source for it because it reduces the pollutants quiet efficiently and it also releases hydrogen gas as well which can be used as a source of energy. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent research on different types of nanomaterials that function as catalysts to reduce organic pollutants and also generating hydrogen from NaBH4 methanolysis while also evaluating the positive and negative aspects of nanocatalyst. Additionally, this paper examines the features effecting the process and the mechanism of catalysis. The comparison of different catalysts is based on size of catalyst, reaction time, rate of reaction, hydrogen generation rate, activation energy, and durability. The information obtained from this paper can be used to steer the development of new catalysts for reducing organic pollutants and generation hydrogen by NaBH4 methanolysis.

Application of coal fly ash based ceramic membranes in wastewater treatment: A sustainable alternative to commercial materials

The continued increase in the global population has resulted in increased water demand for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. These activities have led to the generation of high volumes of wastewater, which has an impact on water quality. Consequently, more practical solutions are needed to improve the current wastewater treatment systems. The use of improved ceramic membranes for wastewater treatment holds significant prospects for advancement in water treatment and sanitation. Hence, different studies have employed ceramic membranes in wastewater treatment and the search for low-cost and environmentally friendly starting materials has continued to engender research interests. This review focuses on the application of coal fly ash in membrane technology for wastewater treatment. The processes of membrane fabrication and the various limitations of the material. Several factors that influence the properties and performance of coal fly ash ceramic membranes in wastewater treatment are also presented. Some possible solutions to the limitations are also proposed, while cost analysis of coal fly ash-based membranes is explored to evaluate its potential for large-scale applications.

Chitosan nanoplatforms in agriculture for multi-potential applications - Adsorption/removal, sustained release, sensing of pollutants & delivering their alternatives - A comprehensive review

An increase in the global population has led to an increment in the food consumption, which has demanded high food production. To meet the production demands, different techniques and technologies are adopted in agriculture the past 70 years, where utilization of the industry-manufactured/synthetic pesticides (SPTCs - e.g., herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, bactericides, nematicides, acaricides, avicides, and so on) is one of them. However, it has been later revealed that the usage of SPTCs has negatively impacted the environment - especially water and soil, and also agricultural products - mainly foods. Though preventive measures are taken by government agencies, still the utilization rate of SPTCs is high, and consequently, their maximum residual limit (MRL) levels in food are above tolerance, which further results in serious health concerns in humans. So, there is an immediate need for decreasing the utilization of the SPTCs by delivering them effectively at reduced levels in agriculture but with the required efficacy. Apart from that, it is mandatory to detect/sense and also to remove them to lessen the environmental pollution, while developing effective alternative techniques/technologies. Among many suitable materials that are developed/idenified, chitosan, a bio-polymer has gained great attention and is comprehensively implemented in all the above-mentioned applications - sensing, delivery and removal, due to their excellent and required properties. Though many works are available, in this work, a special attention is given to chitosan and its derivatives (i.e., chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs))based removal, controlled release and sensing of the SPTCs - specifically herbicides and insecticides. Moreover, the chitosan/CNPs-based protective effects on the in vivo models during/after their exposure to the SPTCs, and the current technologies like clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) as alternatives for SPTCs are also reviewed.

Evaluation of thallium ion as an effective ion in human health using an electrochemical sensor

Exposure to thallium (Tl), a noxious heavy metal, poses significant health risks to both humans and animals upon ingestion. Therefore, monitoring Tl levels in the environment is crucial to prevent human exposure and reduce the risk of developing severe health problems. This paper presents the development of a highly sensitive Tl ions sensor through surface modification of a glassy carbon electrode with a nanocomposite comprising MnO2 magnetic sepiolite and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MnO2@Fe3O4/Sep/MWCNT/GCE). Multiple methodologies were employed to assess the performance of the newly developed sensor. By employing square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) to optimize the measurement conditions, notable enhancements were observed in the stripping peak currents of Tl (I) on the MnO2@Fe3O4/Sep/MWCNT/GCE surface. The effectiveness of the nanocomposite in facilitating electron transfer between the Tl (I) ions (guest) and the electrode (host) was demonstrated from the enhanced signals observed at the different modified electrode surfaces under optimal conditions. The developed sensor displayed a wide linear range of 0.1-1500 ppb for Tl (I) and a low detection limit of 0.03 ppb for Tl (I). It was found to be selective for Tl (I) ions while remaining unaffected by interfering non-target ions in the presence of the target ions. Despite its simple preparation procedure, the modified electrode exhibited high stability and excellent reproducibility for measuring Tl (I). The outstanding electroanalytical performances of the MnO2@Fe3O4/Sep/MWCNT/GCE electrode enabled its successful use as an ultrasensitive sensor for determining trace amounts of Tl in environmental samples.

An integrated approach to remove endocrine-disrupting chemicals bisphenol and its analogues from the aqueous environment: a review

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) used as a plastic enhancer in producing polycarbonate resins to manufacture hard plastics. Due to strict limitations on the manufacturing and utilization of BPA, several bisphenol substitutes, bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol AF (BPAF), have been developed to replace it in various applications. Because of their widespread use in food containers, infant bottles, and reusable water bottles, bisphenols (BPs) have been identified in different environmental circumstances, including drinking water, seawater, industrial effluent, and endocrine systems such as human blood, urine, and breast milk. However, locating and analyzing them in different conditions has proven to be challenging. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the prevalence of BPs in the environment. The significance of advanced treatment options for treating and eliminating BPA and its alternatives from water bodies are reviewed. Also, the research gaps and future scopes are discussed in this review article. According to the literature survey, adsorption and photocatalytic degradation provide synergistic benefits for environmental challenges because of their substantial adsorption Q5 capacity, high oxidation capability, and low cost compared to alternative individual treatment options.

An overview of biogenic metallic nanoparticles for water treatment and purification: the state of the art

The environment is fundamental to human existence, and protecting it from dangerous contaminants should be a top priority for all stakeholders. Reducing garbage output has helped, but as the world's population grows, more waste will be generated. Tons of waste inadvertently and advertently received by environmental matrixes adversely affect the sustainable environment. The pollution caused by these activities affects the environment and human health. Conventional remediation processes ranging from chemical, physical, and biological procedures use macroaggregated materials and microorganisms to degrade or remove pollutants. Undesirable limitations of expensiveness, disposal challenges, maintenance, and formation of secondary contaminants abound. Additionally, multiple stages of treatments to remove different contaminants are time-consuming. The need to avoid these limitations and shift towards sustainable approaches brought up nanotechnology options. Currently, nanomaterials are being used for environmental rejuvenation that involves the total degradation of pollutants without secondary pollution. As nanoparticles are primed with vast and modifiable reactive sites for adsorption, photocatalysis, and disinfection, they are more useful in remediating pollutants. Review articles on metallic nanoparticles usually focus on chemically synthesized ones, with a particular focus on their adsorption capacity and toxicities. Therefore, this review evaluates the current status of biogenic metallic nanoparticles for water treatment and purification.

Hybrid Polymer-Silica Nanostructured Materials for Environmental Remediation

Due to the ever-growing global population, it is necessary to develop highly effective processes that minimize the impact of human activities and consumption on the environment. The levels of organic and inorganic contaminants have rapidly increased in recent years, posing a threat to ecosystems. Removing these toxic pollutants from the environment is a challenging task that requires physical, chemical, and biological methods. An effective solution involves the use of novel engineered materials, such as silica-based nanostructured materials, which exhibit a high removal capacity for various pollutants. The starting materials are also thermally and mechanically stable, allowing for easy design and development at the nanoscale through versatile functionalization procedures, enabling their effective use in pollutant capture. However, improvements concerning mechanical properties or applicability for repeated cycles may be required to refine their structural features. This review focuses on hybrid/composite polymer-silica nanostructured materials. The state of the art in nanomaterial synthesis, different techniques of functionalization, and polymer grafting are described. Furthermore, it explores the application of polymer-modified nanostructured materials for the capture of heavy metals, dyes, hydrocarbons and petroleum derivatives, drugs, and other organic compounds. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for future research aimed at advancing the application of polymer-silica nanostructured materials in the efficiency of pollutant uptake.

Recent advances in nanomaterials based sustainable approaches for mitigation of emerging organic pollutants

Emerging organic pollutants (EOPs) are a category of pollutants that are relatively new to the environment and recently garnered a lot of attention. The majority of EOPs includes endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), pesticides, dyes and pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs). Exposure to contaminated water has been linked to an increase in incidences of malnutrition, intrauterine growth retardation, respiratory illnesses, liver malfunctions, eye and skin diseases, and fatalities. Consequently, there is a critical need for wastewater remediation technologies which are effective, reliable, and economical. Conventional wastewater treatment methods have several shortcomings that can be addressed with the help of nanotechnology. Unique characteristics of nanomaterials (NMs) make them intriguing and efficient alternative in wastewater treatment strategies. This review emphasis on the occurrence of divers emerging organic pollutants (EOPs) in water and their effective elimination via different NMs based methods with in-depth mechanisms. Furthermore, it also delves the toxicity assessment of NMs and critical challenges, which are crucial steps for practical implementations.

Reduced Graphene Oxide-Modified Spinel Cobalt Ferrite Nanocomposite: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Superior Adsorption Performance for Dyes and Heavy Metals

This work is dedicated to the synthesis, characterization, and adsorption performance of reduced graphene oxide-modified spinel cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. The as-synthesized reduced graphene oxide cobalt ferrite (RGCF) nanocomposite has been characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, FESEM coupled with EDXS, XRD, HRTEM, zeta potential, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements. FESEM proves the particle size in the range of 10 nm. FESEM, EDX, TEM, FTIR, and XPS analyses provide the proof of successful incorporation of rGO sheets with cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. The crystallinity and spinel phase of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles have been shown by XRD results. The saturation magnetization (M _s) was measured as 23.62 emu/g, proving the superparamagnetic behavior of RGCF. The adsorption abilities of the synthesized nanocomposite have been tested using cationic crystal violet (CV) and brilliant green (BG) and anionic methyl orange (MO) and Congo red (CR) dyes. The adsorption trend for MO, CR, BG, and As(V) follows RGCF > rGO > CF at neutral pH. Adsorption studies have been accomplished by optimizing parameters like pH (2-8), adsorbent dose (1-3 mg/25 mL), initial concentration (10-200 mg/L), and contact time at constant room temperature (RT). To further investigate the sorption behavior, isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamic studies have been conducted. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models suited better for the adsorption of dyes and heavy metals. The maximum adsorption capacities (q _m) obtained have been found as 1666.7, 1000, 416.6, and 222.2 mg/g for MO, CR, BG, and As, respectively, with operational parameters such as T = 298.15 K; RGCF dose: 1 mg for MO and 1.5 mg each for CR, BG, and As. Thus, the RGCF nanocomposite was found to be an excellent adsorbent for the removal of dyes and heavy metals.

Polyethylenimine-Crosslinked 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane-Grafted Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes for Efficient Adsorption of Reactive Yellow 2 from Water

This research intended to report amine-functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) prepared by a simple method for efficient and rapid removal of Reactive Yellow 2 (RY2) from water. EDS analysis showed that the N content increased from 0 to 2.42% and from 2.42 to 8.66% after modification by 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and polyethylenimine (PEI), respectively. BET analysis displayed that the specific surface area, average pore size, and total pore volume were reduced from 405.22 to 176.16 m²/g, 39.67 to 6.30 nm, and 4.02 to 0.28 cm³/g, respectively. These results proved that the PEI/APTES-MWCNTs were successfully prepared. pH edge experiments indicated that pH 2 was optimal for RY2 removal. At pH 2 and 25 °C, the time required for adsorption equilibrium was 10, 15, and 180 min at initial concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg/L, respectively; and the maximum RY2 uptake calculated by the Langmuir model was 714.29 mg/g. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. Moreover, 0-0.1 mol/L of NaCl showed negligible effect on RY2 removal by PEI/APTES-MWCNTs. Five adsorption/desorption cycles confirmed the good reusability of PEI/APTES-MWCNTs in RY2 removal. Overall, the PEI/APTES-MWCNTs are a potential and efficient adsorbent for reactive dye wastewater treatment.

Chitosan Nanoparticles as Potential Nano-Sorbent for Removal of Toxic Environmental Pollutants

Adsorption is the most widely used technique for advanced wastewater treatment. The preparation and application of natural renewable and environmentally friendly materials makes this process easier and more profitable. Chitosan is often used as an effective biomaterial in the adsorption world because of its numerous functional applications. Chitosan is one of the most suitable and functionally flexible adsorbents because it contains hydroxyl (-OH) and amine (-NH₂) groups. The adsorption capacity and selectivity of chitosan can be further improved by introducing additional functions into its basic structure. Owing to its unique surface properties and adsorption ability of chitosan, the development and application of chitosan nanomaterials has gained significant attention. Here, recent research on chitosan nanoparticles is critically reviewed by comparing various methods for their synthesis with particular emphasis on the role of experimental conditions, limitations, and applications in water and wastewater treatment. The recovery of pollutants using magnetic nanoparticles is an important treatment process that has contributed to additional development and sustainable growth. The application of such nanoparticles in the recovery metals, which demonstrates a "close loop technology" in the current scenarios, is also presented in this review.

Nanocubic copper cobaltite for methyl orange degradation through photocatalytic process

In this study, cubic spinel structured CuCo₂O₄ (Copper cobaltite) nanospheres were fabricated by thermal decomposition method. The visible light degradation of organic contaminant methyl orange (MO) was focused in this study using the synthesized pure CuO, Co₃O₄ and CuCo₂O₄ with different weight ratios of raw materials (90:10, 75:25 and 50:50). It could be well realized that after the characterization techniques, the synthesized CuCo₂O₄ materials resembled cubic spinel structure as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation. Meanwhile, all the synthesized materials through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have showed cubic shaped particles and among the CuCo₂O₄ materials, CuCo₂O₄ (50:50) expressed not as much of crystallinity due to the agglomerated nanospheres. On the other hand, well crystalline CuCo₂O₄ (75:25) displayed higher surface area than the other materials when analysed through Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrum has evinced the formation of CuCo₂O₄ nanostructures. In addition, the cubic spinel structured CuCo₂O₄ provided positive results over visible light irradiation. Finally, the CuCo₂O₄ (75:25) sample has scored high as much of 85% MO degradation compared with others. This sample was progressed with repetitive recycling tests and presented the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency. The upgraded results of CuCo₂O₄ sample have been linked with the developed synergistic effects during the formation of binary metal oxides. Also, the interfacial electron-hole formation leads to the migration and hindering of charge carriers for visible light activity.

Carbon nanomaterial functionalization with pesticide-detoxifying carboxylesterase

Four carbon materials, spent coffee-ground biochar, carbon black, short CNTs, and nitrogen-doped few-layer graphene (N-graphene) were tested for their functionalization with a commercial carboxylesterase. Their robustness to variations in time and key physicochemical parameters (temperature and pH) was analysed. In general, carbon nanomaterials showed better performance than biochar, both in terms of binding capacity and resilience in harsh conditions, at statistically significant levels. Among the tested materials, functionalized N-graphene also showed the highest level of inhibition of carboxylesterase by pesticide exposure. Therefore, N-graphene was selected for biotechnological application of pesticide scavenging toxicity in T. thermophila, a ciliate bioindicator of water quality. While immobilization of the enzyme was not effective in the case of carbaryl, a methyl carbamate, in the case of the organophosphorus dichlorvos, a 1- or 30-min contact time with a water solution containing 5 times the LC100 - 0.5 mM - allowed 50% and 100% rescue of ciliate survival, respectively. These results suggest that functionalization with carboxylesterase may be of additional benefit compared to bare carbon in water clean-up procedures, especially for highly hydrophilic pesticides such as dichlorvos.

Adsorption of Magenta Dye on PbO Doped MgZnO: Interpretation of Statistical Physics Parameters Using Double-Layer Models

This article reports the synthesis of PbO doped MgZnO (PbO@MgZnO) by a co-precipitation method, followed by an ultrasonication process. PbO@MgZnO demonstrates a significant adsorption capability toward Magenta Dye (MD). The greatest adsorption capability was optimized by varying parameters such as pH, MD concentration, and adsorbent dose. The kinetics study illustrates that the adsorption of MD on PbO@MgZnO follows the pseudo-second-order. The isotherm study revealed that Langmuir is best fitted for the adsorption, but with little difference in the R² value of Langmuir and Freundlich, the adsorption process cloud be single or multi-layer. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 333.33 mg/g. The negative ΔG refers to the spontaneity of MD adsorption on PbO@MgZnO. The steric parameters from statistical physics models also favor the multi-layer adsorption mechanism. As a function of solution temperature, the parameter n pattern has values of n = 0.395, 0.290, and 0.280 for 298, 308, and 318 K, respectively (i.e., all values were below 1). Therefore, horizontal molecule positioning and multiple locking mechanisms were implicated during interactions between MD and PbO@MgZnO active sites.

Rapid and efficient adsorption of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution by hierarchically porous, activated starbons®: Mechanism and porosity dependence

Hierarchically porous activated Starbons® derived from starch are found to make excellent adsorbents for methylene blue, even in the presence of other dyes and inorganic salts, highlighting their potential to be used in water purification. The optimal material (S950C90) has a methylene blue adsorption capacity (891 mg g^-1) almost nine times higher than that of unactivated S800 and four times higher than that of commercial activated carbon at 298 K. The adsorption of methylene blue onto optimal materials (S950C90 and S800K4) reaches equilibrium within 5 min. Adsorption data for all the adsorbents show a good fit to the Freundlich isotherm which allows the Gibbs free energies of adsorption to be calculated. The adsorption capacities increase as the pH of the methylene blue solution increases, allowing the dye to be desorbed by treatment with acidic ethanol and the Starbon® materials reused. Porosimetry and SEM-EDX imaging indicate that methylene blue adsorbs throughout the surface and completely fills all the micropores in the Starbon® adsorbent. The methylene blue adsorption capacities show excellent correlations with both the BET surface areas and the micropore volumes of the materials.

Pharmaceutical compounds used in the COVID-19 pandemic: A review of their presence in water and treatment techniques for their elimination

During the COVID-19 pandemic, high consumption of antivirals, antibiotics, antiparasitics, antiprotozoals, and glucocorticoids used in the treatment of this virus has been reported. Conventional treatment systems fail to efficiently remove these contaminants from water, becoming an emerging concern from the environmental field. Therefore, the objective of the present work is to address the current state of the literature on the presence and removal processes of these drugs from water bodies. It was found that the concentration of most of the drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19 increased during the pandemic in water bodies. Before the pandemic, Azithromycin concentrations in surface waters were reported to be in the order of 4.3 ng L-1, and during the pandemic, they increased up to 935 ng L-1. Laboratory scale studies conclude that adsorption and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can be effective in the removal of these drugs. Up to more than 80% removal of Azithromycin, Chloroquine, Ivermectin, and Dexamethasone in aqueous solutions have been reported using these processes. Pilot-scale tests achieved 100% removal of Azithromycin from hospital wastewater by adsorption with powdered activated carbon. At full scale, treatment plants supplemented with ozonation and artificial wetlands removed all Favipiravir and Azithromycin, respectively. It should be noted that hybrid technologies can improve removal rates, process kinetics, and treatment cost. Consequently, the development of new materials that can act synergistically in technically and economically sustainable treatments is required.

Quick removal of metronidazole from aqueous solutions using metal–organic frameworks

Two MOFs were assembled, characterized and investigated in detail as efficient adsorbents for removal of the metronidazole antibiotic. Adsorption isotherms and kinetic features were also studied.

Piezo-responsive bismuth ferrite nanoparticle-mediated catalytic degradation of rhodamine B and pathogenic E. coli in aqueous medium and its extraction using external magnetic stimulation after successful treatment

Piezocatalytic bismuth ferrite nanoparticles (BFO) were used for the degradation of organic dye (RhB) and pathogenic bacteria (E. coli), then extracted using external magnetic stimulation after the successful operation.

Phytotoxicological effects of engineered nanoparticles: An emerging nanotoxicology

Recent innovations in the field of nanoscience and technology and its proficiency as a part of inter-disciplinary science has set an eclectic display in innumerable branches of science, a majority in aliened health science of human and agriculture. Modern agricultural practices have been shifting towards the implementation of nanotechnology-based solutions to combat various emerging problems ranging from safe delivery of nutrients to sustainable approaches for plant protection. In these processes, engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are widely used as nanocarriers (to deliver nutrients and pesticides) due to their high permeability, efficacy, biocompatibility, and biodegradability properties. Even though the constructive nature of nanoparticles (NPs), nanomaterials (NMs), and other modified or ENPs towards sustainable development in agriculture is referenced, the darker side i.e., eco-toxicological effects is still not covered to a larger extent. The overwhelming usage of these trending NMs has led to continuous persistence in the ecosystem, and their interface with the biotic and abiotic community, degradation lanes and intervention, which might lead to certain beneficial or malefic effects. Metal oxide NPs and polymeric NPs (Alginate, chitosan, and polyethylene glycol) are the most used ENPs, which are posing the nature of beneficial as well as environmentally concerning hazardous materials depending upon their fate and persistence in the ecosystem. The cautious usage of NMs in a scientific way is most essential to harness beneficial aspects of NMs in the field of agriculture whilst minimizing the eco-toxicological effects. The current review is focused on the toxicological effects of various NMs on plant physiology and health. It details interactions of plant intracellular components between applied/persistent NMs, which have brought out drastic changes in seed germination, crop productivity, direct and indirect interaction at the enzymatic as well as nuclear levels. In conclusion, ENPs can pose as genotoxicants that may alter the plant phenotype if not administered appropriately.

Advanced Two-Dimensional Heterojunction Photocatalysts of Stoichiometric and Non-Stoichiometric Bismuth Oxyhalides with Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Applications

Semiconductor-based photocatalysis has been identified as an encouraging approach for solving the two main challenging problems, viz., remedying our polluted environment and the generation of sustainable chemical energy. Stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric bismuth oxyhalides (BiOX and BixOyXz where X = Cl, Br, and I) are a relatively new class of semiconductors that have attracted considerable interest for photocatalysis applications due to attributes, viz., high stability, suitable band structure, modifiable energy bandgap and two-dimensional layered structure capable of generating an internal electric field. Recently, the construction of heterojunction photocatalysts, especially 2D/2D systems, has convincingly drawn momentous attention practicably owing to the productive influence of having two dissimilar layered semiconductors in face-to-face contact with each other. This review has systematically summarized the recent progress on the 2D/2D heterojunction constructed between BiOX/BixOyXz with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). The band structure of individual components, various fabrication methods, different strategies developed for improving the photocatalytic performance and their applications in the degradation of various organic contaminants, hydrogen (H2) evolution, carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction, nitrogen (N2) fixation and the organic synthesis of clean chemicals are summarized. The perspectives and plausible opportunities for developing high performance BiOX/BixOyXz-g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts are also discussed.

Nanocellulose: a bioadsorbent for chemical contaminant remediation

Chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, dyes, and organic oils seriously affect the environment and threaten human health. About 2 million tons of waste is released every day into the water system. Heavy metals are the largest contributor which cover about 31% of the total composition of water contaminants. Every day, approximately 14 000 people die due to environmental exposure to selected chemicals. Removal of these contaminants down to safe levels is expensive, high energy and unsustainable by current approaches such as oxidation, biodegradation, photocatalysis, precipitation, reverse osmosis and adsorption. A combination of biosorption and nanotechnology offers a new way to remediate these chemical contaminants. Nanostructured materials are proven to have higher adsorption capacities than the same material in its larger-scale form. Nanocellulose is very promising as a high-performance bioadsorbent due to its interesting characteristics of high adsorption capacity, high mechanical strength, hydrophilic surface chemistry, renewability and biodegradability. It has been proven to have higher adsorption capacity and better binding affinity than other similar materials at the macroscale. The high specific surface area and abundance of hydroxyl groups within lead to the possible functionalization of this material for decontamination purposes. Several research papers have shown the effectiveness of nanocellulose in the remediation of chemical contaminants. This review aims to provide an overview of the most recent developments regarding nanocellulose as an adsorbent for chemical contamination remediation. Recent advancements regarding the modification of nanocellulose to enhance its adsorption efficiency towards heavy metals, dyes and organic oils were highlighted. Moreover, the desorption capability and environmental issue related to every developed nanocellulose-based adsorbent were also tackled.

Adsorption of rhodamine B by organic porous materials rich in nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur heteroatoms

Rhodamine B is a non-degradable carcinogenic dye, so it is of great significance to remove rhodamine B from wastewater.

Adsorption of Reactive Black 5 Dye from Aqueous Solutions by Carbon Nanotubes and its Electrochemical Regeneration Process

: Removal of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye from aqueous solutions was investigated by adsorption onto Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs). A Taguchi orthogonal design including pH, initial RB5 concentration, contact time, and CNTs dose, was used in 16 experiments. The results showed that all four factors were statistically significant, and the optimum conditions for both adsorbents were as follows: pH of 3, adsorbent dose of 1000 mg/L, RB5 concentrations of 25 mg/L, and contact time of 60 min. An equilibrium study by Isotherm Fitting Tool (ISOFIT) software showed that Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit for RB5 adsorption by CNTs. The maximum predicted adsorption capacities for the dye were obtained as 231.84 and 829.20 mg/g by MWCNTs and SWCNTs, respectively. The results also indicated that the adsorption capacity of SWCNTs was about 1.21 folds higher than that of MWCNTs. Studies of electrochemical regeneration were conducted, and the results demonstrated that RB5-loaded MWCNTs and SWCNTs could be regenerated (86.5% and 77.3%, respectively) using the electrochemical process. Adsorbent regeneration was mostly due to the degradation of the dye by the attack of active species such as chlorate, H2O2, and, •OH, which were generated by the electrochemical oxidation process with Ti/RuO2-IrO2-TiO2 anodes. The results of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that acetic acid, 3-chlorobenzenesulfonamide, and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid were produced after adsorbent regeneration by the electrochemical process in the solution of regeneration. The adsorption and regeneration cycles showed that the electrochemical process with Ti/RuO2-IrO2-TiO2 and graphite is a good alternative method for the regeneration of CNTs and simultaneous degradation of the dye.