The potential of zeolite nanocomposites in removing microplastics, ammonia, and trace metals from wastewater and their role in phytoremediation

Nanocomposites are emerging as a new generation of materials that can be used to combat water pollution. Zeolite-based nanocomposites consisting of combinations of metals, metal oxides, carbon materials, and polymers are particularly effective for separating and adsorbing multiple contaminants from water. This review presents the potential of zeolite-based nanocomposites for eliminating a range of toxic organic and inorganic substances, dyes, heavy metals, microplastics, and ammonia from water. The review emphasizes that nanocomposites offer enhanced mechanical, catalytic, adsorptive, and porosity properties necessary for sustainable water purification techniques compared to individual composite materials. The adsorption potential of several zeolite-metal/metal oxide/polymer-based composites for heavy metals, anionic/cationic dyes, microplastics, ammonia, and other organic contaminants ranges between approximately 81 and over 99%. However, zeolite substrates or zeolite-amended soil have limited benefits for hyperaccumulators, which have been utilized for phytoremediation. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential of zeolite-based composites for phytoremediation. Additionally, the development of nanocomposites with enhanced adsorption capacity would be necessary for more effective removal of pollutants.