Application and efficacy of low-cost adsorbents for metal removal from contaminated water: A review

Abstract

Metals contamination in water causes detrimental impact on plants, humans and other animals due to their toxic and recalcitrant nature. Conventional wastewater treatment methods are not more effective and insufficient for complete removal of metal from contaminated water. In recent years more research have been carried out in developing more effective and feasible sustainable technologies for metal removal from wastewater. Particularly, development and use of low-cost materials as adsorbents like zeolites, clay, neem bark, waste tea, rice husk, chiton, fly ash, waste slurry, biochar etc. for effective metal removal as a viable, ecofriendly and sustainable technology of wastewater treatment. In present study, a review of various low-cost adsorbents have evaluated to emphasis most effective and viable materials for metal removal to ensure environmental and health safety.