review · Minerals
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are persistent, potentially carcinogenic organic pollutants found in wastewater that present significant risks to the environment and public health. This review examines the use of iron oxide nanomaterials, recovered as a by-product from acid mine drainage, as an adsorbent to remove these hazardous compounds. The adsorption mechanisms are assessed alongside operating conditions such as solution pH, temperature, and pollutant concentration. Compared to traditional alternatives such as activated carbon, recovered iron oxide nanomaterials demonstrate superior performance, cost-effectiveness, and reusability. Evidence from case studies and practical applications confirms their capability to eliminate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in real-world settings. Utilising these recovered mining by-products offers both environmental and economic advantages, supporting the ongoing development of sustainable and highly efficient wastewater treatment systems.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are toxic, persistent industrial pollutants that contaminate water systems and endanger human health. Repurposing mining waste into effective, reusable nanomaterials provides a dual benefit: it remediates hazardous industrial effluents while offering an economical, circular-economy solution for water treatment facilities seeking alternatives to expensive conventional adsorbents.
The findings support applications in industrial and municipal wastewater treatment, targeting water treatment operators and environmental remediation services. The use of recovered iron oxide nanomaterials offers lower material costs and reusable media compared to activated carbon. Because the review includes case studies and real-world applications alongside identified gaps for synthesis improvements, the technology appears applied and tested, though further synthesis refinement is anticipated.
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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic pollutants known for their persistence and potential carcinogenicity. Effective removal techniques are required since their presence in wastewater poses serious threats to human health and the environment. In this review study, iron oxide nanomaterials (IONs), a by-product of mining operations, recovered from acid mine water are used to investigate the adsorption of PAHs from wastewater. The mechanisms of PAH adsorption onto IONs are investigated, with a focus on the effects of concentration, temperature, and pH on adsorption efficiency. The better performance, affordability, and reusable nature of IONs are demonstrated by comparative studies with alternative adsorbents such as activated carbon. Economic and environmental ramifications highlight the benefits of employing recovered materials, while case studies and real-world applications show how effective IONs are in removing PAHs in the real world. This review concludes by discussing potential future developments in synthesis processes, areas for more research, and emerging trends in nanomaterial-based adsorption. This research intends to contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies by offering a thorough assessment of the present and future potential of employing IONs for PAH removal from wastewater.
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DOI: 10.3390/min14080826
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