An international group of researchers from the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology have thoroughly examined the potential cost-effectiveness of natural biosorbents as a wastewater treatment solution. In the future, this treatment will help to provide clean water to the world. This study was published in the journal Applied Surface Science Advances.
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The quality of the water supply in many developing nations is deteriorating, and facilities for recycling wastewater are desperately needed to meet the world's increasing need for water. Recently, many synthetic materials that are highly effective at absorbing pollutants have surfaced. However, many underdeveloped countries cannot afford them due to their high costs.
The team demonstrates that these environmentally favorable materials might be made from agricultural waste with the appropriate methodology, making them much more widely available in developing nations.
Absorbent qualities are well-known for various agricultural wastes, such as sawdust, fruit peels, stones, and grain and nut husks. However, these unprocessed waste materials are unsuitable for absorbing contaminants, including heavy metals, dyes, and prescription medications.
In their research, Pandey's group provides a thorough overview of the contaminants frequently present in wastewater and investigates potential methods to absorb them using organic materials. Subsequently, they apply these results to evaluate various recently developed methods for processing agricultural waste materials to enhance their biosorbent properties.
The researchers looked at how techniques like chemical activation and changing the nanostructure of waste products could enhance their surface area and porosity and make them easier to dispose of after absorbing pollutants.
In addition to opening the door for novel methods of treating agricultural waste products as biosorbents in wastewater treatment, Pandey's team hopes that their findings will serve as a helpful guide for future studies. By doing this, they may eventually provide easier and cheaper access to clean water for millions living in underdeveloped nations.
Journal Reference:
Kainth, S., et al. (2024) Green sorbents from agricultural wastes: A review of sustainable adsorption materials. Applied Surface Science Advances. doi.org/10.1016/j.apsadv.2023.100562