Emerging Contaminants Removal from Wastewater by Nanotechnological Methods

Abstract

AbstractThe incidence of emerging contaminants in receiving water bodies is a threat to ecology and human health. Anthropogenic activities through industrialization and modernization contribute to the release of toxic pollutants such as pesticides, disinfectants, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, detergents, surfactants, wood preservatives, flame retardants, persistent organic pollutants, and their degradation products. These emerging contaminants do not have a defined set of regulations and are hazardous even if present in trace concentrations. Existing conventional physicochemical and biological wastewater treatment methods are not intended to remove emerging contaminants, owing to their trace occurrence (ng/L to µg/L), extremely recalcitrant nature, and associated bioaccumulation. Recently, nanotechnology has evolved as a fundamental significance to provide alternative and efficient wastewater treatment options. This chapter highlights the latest advances in Nanotechnological methods available to remove emerging contaminants from wastewaters. The potential use of nanoscale materials such as nanosorbents, nanofilters, and nanocatalysts in the degradation of emerging contaminants is discussed. In addition, the possible hazards related to the use of engineered nanomaterials, potential obstacles in the application, and the future perspectives are discussed.KeywordsEmerging contaminantsWastewater treatmentNanoscale materialsNanofiltrationNanoadsorptionNanocatalysis