Removal of Heavy Metal Pollutants from Wastewater Using Zerovalent Iron Nanoparticles

Abstract

AbstractHeavy metals are high atomic weight elements that consist five times higher density than water. The widespread use of heavy metals in scientific, agricultural, domestic, industrial, and medical applications accelerated their distribution into water bodies through the environment. The extreme toxicity of heavy metals and their adverse effects on human health have raised concerns for the removal of heavy metals from different water bodies. Considering the severe toxicity, mercury, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, and lead were identified as priority heavy metal pollutants and categorized as human carcinogens by United States Environmental Protection Agency. Over the past few years, zerovalent iron nanoparticles have emerged as potential alternatives for the removal of heavy metals from water and wastewater streams. The superior reactivity and large surface area of zerovalent iron nanoparticles provided greater versatility for the in situ remediation of heavy metals. Therefore, this chapter presents a detailed discussion on the advances reported for the heavy metal remediation using zerovalent iron nanoparticles. It begins with the fate and transport of heavy metals into water bodies and their impact on human health and environment. Additionally, preparation methods, characterization techniques, and inherent applications of zerovalent iron nanoparticles toward the removal of heavy metals from different water bodies are extensively described following the risk assessment studies. Finally, concluding remarks and future prospects that support the effective remediation of heavy metals using zerovalent iron nanoparticles are summarized.KeywordsWastewaterHeavy metal pollutionRemediation approachesRisk assessmentToxicityHuman healthZerovalent iron