Technologies for Remediation of Polluted Environments: Between Classic Processes and the Challenges of New Approaches

Abstract

The Holocene epoch in which we live is also the Anthropocene, which is an informal chronological term that extends into the Pleistocene epoch. Various scientific evidences shows human impact on environmental pollution dates back to the age of Homo neanderthalensis, which in Europe was about 70,000–40,000 years ago (or even 400,000 years before the current epoch-BCE). The negative effects on the environment of the life activities of our distant ancestors are reflected in their active use of fire in everyday life. Later, the pollution of air, water, soil and food, accelerated and became more complicated, which led to the alarming situation in the present time and especially in the future. In the last few years, researchers have focused on poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and micro- and nano plastics (M- and NPs, respectively), as global pollutants. Environmental pollution requires technologies and processes for its protection and remediation (REM). Classical REM processes are: physical, chemical, physical-chemical and biological, and these are most often combined. The challenges of new approaches are primarily related to the application of new materials (e.g., 2D substances, such as graphene, nano materials, new catalysts) and advanced biotechnologies (e.g., enzyme engineering), nanobio/technologies, as ideal multidisciplinary approaches. Modern REM concepts are based on the principles of green chemistry and green engineering, with the aim of "closing the loop" of the circular economy and fulfilling the unsustainable 2030 sustainable development (SD) agenda, which in real time coordinates can only be: smart development.