AN OVERVIEW ON USAGE OF NANOSCALE ZERO VALENT IRON FOR PHARMACEUTICALS ELIMINATION

Abstract

Pharmaceutically active compounds are gaining the recognition of emerging environmental contaminants classified as recalcitrant bio-accumulative compounds hence they are regarded as toxic and hazardous chemicals. In this context, efficient treatment processes are needed. Nanotechnology can adequately address many of the water quality issues by using different types nanomaterials. Nano zero valent iron (nZVI) has been applied to remove various organic compounds from aqueous solutions since the removal mechanism depends on adsorption and degradation. This article summarizes the recent knowledge of nZVI in pharmaceutical degradation considering the key factors such as initial contaminant concentration, dosage of bare and modified nZVI, pH of aqueous matrix and reaction time which are mainly examined in the experiments. Additionally, the degradation mechanism of studied pharmaceutical compounds monitored by observing intermediates and end-products is presented.