IRON OXIDE-BASED NANOMATERIALS FOR EFFICIENT REMOVAL OF HEAVY METALS FROM AQUEOUS SYSTEMS: MECHANISMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

At the present time, the population has been increasing day by day, and the requirement for usable water is also crucial to support the exponentially growing population. The water needs to be cleaned and purified using various water purification techniques and technologies to meet the above demand. The polluted water is responsible for severe health concerns like cancer, neurological disorders, and kidney damage, etc., due to the presence of lead and cadmium in water through industrial waste. There are several conventional techniques and methods that are in regular use for water treatment, but are not sufficient for proper cleaning. The lags of conventional methods can be overcome by using nanotechnology. There are various nanomaterials available, but in this study, we discuss iron oxide-based nanomaterials, as they are widely recognised as effective for treating heavy metal-contaminated water. In this review, we have discussed synthesis methods, properties, and mechanisms of action, along with their environmental applications. This study also emphasises the current advantages and disadvantages of these materials and the importance of developing eco-friendly, scalable, and recyclable technologies for future applications.