Wastewater Purification Using Nano-Scale Techniques

This paper presents an exhaustive study of modern methods used to purify water with the support of nanomaterials. For deriving maximum benefits from nanotechnology, the environmental sustainability of the nano-particles must be assessed. Nanoparticles possess useful characteristics contributing to water treatment and the removal of numerous pollutants. Materials such as zeolites, chitosan, MWCNT, nano-composites (Fe3O4/TiO2, GO/FeO·Fe2O3, etc.), nano-oxides (ZnO, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, etc.) and MOF (MOF-808, Cu-terephthalate, CoFe2O4 /MIL-100(Fe), UiO-66-NHC(S) NHMe, etc.) have been included in the study including their apparent functionality in treating contaminated water streams. Additionally, known methods to synthesize these nano particles from diverse sources have been studied. The review highlights the removal of pollutants (non-biodegradable, heavy metals, inorganics, and organics) by adsorption using photo nano adsorbents. Devoid of any recognized standards, the performance of the nanomaterials in wastewater treatment needs further research. With the further advancement of nano technology, ideological guidelines along with general cons and future challenges affecting humans and the ecosystem have been reported to provide further scope for research in this domain.

Keywords: Advance oxidation process, Adsorbent, Nano-materials, Nonbiodegradable, Oxidation, Photo-catalyst, Water treatment