Hydrochar-nanoparticle integration for arsenic removal from wastewater: Challenges, possible solutions, and future horizon

Aisha Khan Khanzada; Hussein E Al-Hazmi; Bogna Śniatała; Tomy Muringayil Joseph; Joanna Majtacz; Sameer A M Abdulrahman; Saeed S Albaseer; Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan; Zohreh Rahimi-Ahar; Sajjad Habibzadeh; Jacek Mąkinia

doi:10.1016/j.envres.2023.117164

Hydrochar-nanoparticle integration for arsenic removal from wastewater: Challenges, possible solutions, and future horizon

Environ Res. 2023 Dec 1;238(Pt 1):117164. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117164. Epub 2023 Sep 16.

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, 80-233, Poland.
² Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, 80-233, Poland. Electronic address: hussein.hazmi1@pg.edu.pl.
³ Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233, Gdańsk, Poland.
⁴ Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education and Sciences-Rada'a, Albaydha University, Albaydha, Yemen.
⁵ Department of Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Biologicum, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
⁶ College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
⁷ Department of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Velayat University, Iranshahr, Iran.
⁸ Surface Reaction and Advanced Energy Materials Laboratory, Chemical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, 1599637111, Iran.

PMID: 37722579
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117164

Abstract

Arsenic (As) contamination poses a significant threat to human health, ecosystems, and agriculture, with levels ranging from 12 to 75% attributed to mine waste and stream sediments. This naturally element is abundant in Earth's crust and gets released into the environment through mining and rock processing, causing ≈363 million people to depend on As-contaminated groundwater. To combat this issue, introducing a sustainable hydrochar system has achieved a remarkable removal efficiency of over 92% for arsenic through adsorption. This comprehensive review presents an overview of As contamination in the environment, with a specific focus on its impact on drinking water and wastewater. It delves into the far-reaching effects of As on human health, ecosystems, aquatic systems, and agriculture, while also exploring the effectiveness of existing As treatment systems. Additionally, the study examines the potential of hydrochar as an efficient adsorbent for As removal from water/wastewater, along with other relevant adsorbents and biomass-based preparations of hydrochar. Notably, the fusion of hydrochar with nanoparticle-centric approaches presents a highly promising and environmentally friendly solution for achieving the removal of As from wastewater, exceeding >99% efficiency. This innovative approach holds immense potential for advancing the realms of green chemistry and environmental restoration. Various challenges associated with As contamination and treatment are highlighted, and proposed solutions are discussed. The review emphasizes the urgent need to advance treatment technologies, improve monitoring methods, and enhance regulatory frameworks. Looking outlook, the article underscores the importance of fostering research efforts, raising public awareness, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address this critical environmental issue. Such efforts are vital for UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially clean water and sanitation (Goal 6) and climate action (Goal 13), crucial for global sustainability.

Keywords: Adsorption; Arsenic environmental effects; Arsenic removal; Hydrochar; Nanoparticles; Wastewaters treatment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adsorption
Arsenic* / analysis
Ecosystem
Environmental Restoration and Remediation*
Humans
Wastewater
Water
Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis
Water Purification* / methods

Substances

Wastewater
Arsenic
Water
Water Pollutants, Chemical