Hydroxyapatite, a multifunctional material for air, water and soil pollution control: A review

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2), a calcium phosphate biomaterial, is a very promising candidate for the treatment of air, water and soil pollution. Indeed, hydroxyapatite (Hap) can be extremely useful in the field of environmental management, due in one part to its particular structure and attractive properties, such as its great adsorption capacities, its acid-base adjustability, its ion-exchange capability and its good thermal stability. Moreover, Hap is able to constitute a valuable resource recovery route. The first part of this review will be dedicated towards presenting Hap’s structure and defining properties that result in its viability as an environmental remediation material. The second will focus on its use as adsorbent for wastewater and soil treatment, while indicating the mechanisms involved in this remediation process. Finally, the last part will impart all findings on Hap’s applications in the field of catalysis, whether it be as catalyst, as photocatalyst, or as active phase support. Hence, all of the above will have served in showcasing the benefits gained by employing hydroxyapatite in air, water and soil clean-up.