Application of nanomaterials for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater

Abstract

Heavy metals ions like mercury, copper, zinc, lead etc. are found in the environment as they are released by various industries directly or indirectly into the soil and water leading to the adverse effects on the nature and its entities so it is a matter of concern which needs immediate attention. These metal ions should be removed from the wastewater via effective methods to protect further contamination caused by it. Heavy metals are noxious substances and, when found in water, lead to adverse effects on humans and the environment. Nanotechnology offers a better treatment method to remove heavy metals from wastewater. The nanomaterials exhibit better adsorption, with significant repeatability to adsorb the heavy metals. This review investigates the prominent mechanisms involved in removing heavy metals from the wastewater such as Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models followed by the nanomaterials employed for the adsorption purpose. Moreover, the removal of various heavy metal ions has been discussed. Thus, nanotechnology has proven to remarkably remove heavy metals from wastewater with zero or less toxic effects on the environment. This review gives a clear insight into the application of advance nanomaterials and their role in the removal of heavy metals through the process of adsorption.