Application of nanomaterials synthesized using agriculture waste for wastewater treatment

Abstract

Global water security is a pressing issue confronting the water sector. The high-water usage, discharge of untreated wastewater, and different anthropogenic pursuit pose severe threats to water quality. Wastewater treatment is inevitable to fight freshwater scarcity and to protect human health, aquatic fauna and flora, etc. High reactivity, surface-to-volume ratio, and versatility in material development (nanosorbents, nanocatalysts, and nanodisinfectants) made a promising platform for nanomaterials in wastewater remediation. Currently, wastewater treatment using green-based materials and processes is obtaining immense attention. The usage of green materials will reduce resource consumption, cost, and chances of secondary pollutant generation. The aim of this chapter is to understand the status of the development of nanosorbents, nanocatalysts, and nanodisinfectants using agricultural waste. The chapter highlights current trends in applying green nanomaterials modified using agriculture waste to treat wastewater. Agricultural wastes, which are used for nanosorbent, nanocatalyst, and nanodisinfectant synthesis, are documented. The applications of prepared nanomaterials in removing several recalcitrant organic contaminants such as dyes, phenolic compounds, antibiotics, and pathogenic bacteria are discussed. The discussion also includes heavy metals removal as well as disinfection using agro-waste-based nanomaterials. The mechanism of pollutant removal is described. The chapter aims to improve the understanding of agricultural waste that can be used in the green synthesis of nanomaterials. The applicability of all these nanomaterials for specific pollutant removal will help in selecting industries for large-scale implementations. The comparative assessment of pollutant removal efficacies is expected to help the researchers in selecting alternative agro-waste to prepare nanomaterials exhibiting better performance.