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Functionalized Nanoclays Coupled with Microbial Remediation Strategies for Treating Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs)
Summary
This review examines how functionalized nanoclays combined with microbial remediation strategies can be used to treat pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water. Researchers found that chemically modified clay nanoparticles effectively trap pollutants between their mineral layers, and coupling this with microorganisms that consume the adsorbed chemicals reduces secondary pollution. The approach offers an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional water treatment methods for emerging contaminants.
Water is the primary and essential constituent of all living beings. World Health Organization (WHO) has reported the presence of various emerging contaminants, including pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), heavy metals, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in diverse aqueous and terrestrial ecosystems. The alarming adverse ecological and health impacts have drawn attention to developing efficient treatment strategies for the removal and degradation of PPCPs. Hybrid systems like adsorption coupled bioremediation techniques have been widely investigated for energy savings and treatment efficiency. Clays are well-known natural, efficient and regenerable adsorbent materials with highly porous structures. As layers of mineral silicates, nanosized clay particles help to entrap PPCPs between the interlayer of clay minerals. The efficiency of such adsorption processes can be further improved by chemical modification or functionalization, resulting in enhanced attraction between the target analyte (PPCPs) and clay minerals via electrostatic, ionic, Van der Waals, and hydrogen bonds. Augmenting the process with microorganisms capable of utilizing the adsorbed pollutants as nutrient sources reduces the generation of secondary pollutants. Greener hybrid techniques are essential for efficiently removing PPCPs. In this aspect, the use of functionalized nano clays as a suitable adsorbent for a wide range of PPCPs, followed by their effective biodegradation, is investigated. This chapter comprehensively outlines the design, synthesis method, and application of functionalized nanoclays and microbes in treating PPCPs. Additionally, the operational challenges, toxicological issues, and recyclability options will be discussed.