Chapter 23 - Introduction of water remediation processes

Abstract

An intensified negative effect is exerted on the environment and natural resources in view of satisfying increased societal needs by unsustainable development in industries, infrastructure, technology, and transport systems. Increasing population, industries, climate change, and high energy demand put a constantly increasing load on usable freshwater sources, thereby contaminating and polluting water sources. The needs of future human generations are at stake, if all stakeholders are not able to manage the environment and the natural resources now. Water consumption as well as pollution has alarmingly increased, and therefore the need of water management for mankind across the globe becomes apparent. Water remediation is the methodologies adopted to treat wastewater to convert it into a usable form or meeting standards laid down by policymaking agencies. To meet the requirements of regulated quantity and quality of drinking water, newer water remediation technologies are being researched and used. The reuse of water to some extent can be achieved by remediation/treatment of contaminated or polluted water. This chapter deals with the introduction of water remediation processes including traditional and advanced methods. The advanced technologies with new approaches and improved materials need to meet the demand for water management. This chapter also elaborates many advanced technologies, viz., membrane technology, nanotechnology, and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which can deliver a specific quality of drinking water. The chapter provides an overview of various methods of water remediation, recent advancements water remediation technologies, practical challenges in scale-up, and the future direction.