Wastewater Treatment and Role of Green Synthesized Metal Oxide Nanocomposites

Abstract

Water pollution by metalloids is a global environmental concern. Owing to their propensity for bioaccumulation, water solubility, and interaction with environment, they are threatening both human and ecosystem health. Inherent limitations like low efficiency, sensitive operating conditions, and high capital and operating costs are associated with conventional removal methods which restricts adoption of these technologies on large scale. While adsorption is commonly recognized as both an effective and affordable remediation technology, many common adsorbents often have inherited limitations including non-renewability and high operating costs. Thus, limitations in conventional remediation technologies have headed to the rapid progression of new avenues for advanced treatment technologies for metalloid pollutant removal such as green nanotechnology. In contrast to many of the currently available adsorbents, nanoparticles often have unique properties such as tiny size, more active sites and big surface area, easy separation, and high reactivity that enhance removal efficiencies.