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Advancements in nanocomposites for wastewater treatment addressing emerging pollutants and contaminants

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Abstract

The presence of emerging contaminants in wastewater, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and heavy metals, poses significant risks to human and ecological health. Conventional water treatment methods are often inadequate for removing these pollutants. Nanotechnology provides promising solutions through the development of multifunctional nanocomposite adsorbents and catalysts. This review summarizes recent progress on diverse nanocomposites synthesized for removing contaminants from water. Both inorganic nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, metal oxides, quantum dots) and organic nanomaterials (chitosan, polymers) have been incorporated into nanocomposites to enhance absorption capacity, catalytic degradation, and antimicrobial capabilities. Specific examples are presented for nanocomposites containing carbon, boron nitride, metals, metal oxides, and biopolymers. Although challenges remain regarding practical implementation, nanocomposites have demonstrated considerable potential as next-generation technologies for water purification and treatment of complex emerging pollutants. Continued research on nanocomposite fabrication, characterization, and real-world feasibility is still needed to realize the goal of clean, safe water for all.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Selaiyur, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India

    Remya R.R & Angeline Julius

  2. Institute of Industrial Technology, Changwon National University, Changwon, Gyeongsangnamdo, 51140, Republic of Korea

    Suman T.Y

  3. School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Changwon National University, Changwon, Gyeongsangnamdo, 51140, Republic of Korea

    Suman T.Y

  4. School of Bioscience, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Bandar Saujana Putra, Jalan SP2, 42610, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia

    Antony V. Samrot

  5. Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602105, India

    Remya R.R

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R.R, R., Julius, A., T.Y, S. et al. Advancements in nanocomposites for wastewater treatment addressing emerging pollutants and contaminants. Nanotechnol. Environ. Eng. 9, 99–110 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41204-023-00352-7

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