Remediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using Nanomaterials

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are major contaminants in environmental bodies due to ubiquitous occurrence, toxicity and potential to bioaccumulation. Increased population, rapid industrialization and extensive use of oil fuels are one of the major cause of pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Here, we review the issues related to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their removal techniques using nanoparticles through adsorption, photocatalytic and redox degradation. Among the dye removal techniques, adsorption was found best in terms of its efficiency and economy. For that, traditional techniques such as microbial, photolysis and conventional adsorbents such as commercial activated carbon, agricultural and natural waste are highly employed. Lately, low cost nanomaterials with high surface-area come out as most economic, rapid and effective green adsorbent cum photocatalyst under UV and sun-light irradiation. Green synthesized nanomaterials with advanced characteristics of adsorbent and photocatalysts are gaining importance in degradation of various organic-pollutants due to low cost of production and mediated effect of biogenic sources. We also discuss the use of TiO2, ZnO and metal hexacyanoferrate to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons pollution.