A review on sustainable utilization of red mud based photocatalytic material for environmental pollution abetment

Abstract

The inventory of the solid waste produced from Aluminium industries (Bauxite Residue) otherwise called red mud stands at an estimated amount of 4 billion tons globally owing to its current generation. So, to reduce the impact on environment, its safe disposal is posing a great threat to eco-friendly atmosphere and its utilization is must for environmental sustainability. High alkalinity nature and airborne dust emissions may posse threat to flora and fauna, but the mineral composition of red mud and red mud derived products found to be a promising material for the utilization in the field of environmental pollution remediation. The high content of largely inert components such as hematite that can be extracted and gives credibility to the idea that red mud can be used as a potential candidate in the field of photo catalysis. This review explores novel methods for treating red mud and extracting minerals, not only provide value to waste but also demonstrated reduced red mud can be used as effective catalyst in environmental abatement. Modification of red mud, extraction of valuable iron oxides creates a novel opportunity for efficient removal of toxic metals, dyes, inorganic and organic pollutants in the cost-effective method and maintains sustainability.