Bioremediation of heavy metals from wastewater using nanomaterials

Abstract

One of the key reasons for water pollution is the existence of heavy metals in wastewater. Industrial wastewater and domestic sewage are one of the top reasons to cause water pollution. Increasing water pollution is a major concern for humans as it is not only affecting our health but also disturbing the economy and sustainable growth all around the world. Heavy metals affect human health as well as flora and fauna of the region because they are non-biodegradable. Heavy metals induce mutagenesis, cancer, and hereditary genetic disorders because they bind to the same sites in which essential metal ions bind and lead to the destabilization of structures and biomolecules. Conventional methods are well-established for the removal of heavy metals, but they have several drawbacks. Therefore, there is a requirement of alternative methods that can efficiently remove heavy metals. Nanoparticles hold immense potential, and they are used as adsorbents for heavy metal removal. Due to its unique properties like high selectivity and adsorption capacity, they are effective sorbents and extensively used for heavy metal removal from wastewater. This review addresses the significant issue of global wastewater crisis. Various methods of heavy metal remediation (HMR) and wastewater treatment are discussed including the application of microbes, plants, and nanoparticles in HMR. This review also highlights real-time applications and economic aspects of HMR. It has been concluded that the application of nanomaterials both, in the existing technologies and novel methods, will help in increasing efficiency, better operational costs, and enhanced outcomes.