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Adsorption of Heavy Metals: Mechanisms, Kinetics, and Applications of Various Adsorbents in Wastewater Remediation—A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Zarifeh Raji

    (Department of Soils and Agri-Food Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
    Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

  • Ahasanul Karim

    (Department of Soils and Agri-Food Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
    Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

  • Antoine Karam

    (Department of Soils and Agri-Food Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

  • Seddik Khalloufi

    (Department of Soils and Agri-Food Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
    Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in wastewater is a significant concern for human health and the environment, prompting increased efforts to develop efficient and sustainable removal methods. Despite significant efforts in the last few decades, further research initiatives remain vital to comprehensively address the long-term performance and practical scalability of various adsorption methods and adsorbents for heavy metal remediation. This article aims to provide an overview of the mechanisms, kinetics, and applications of diverse adsorbents in remediating heavy metal-contaminated effluents. Physical and chemical processes, including ion exchange, complexation, electrostatic attraction, and surface precipitation, play essential roles in heavy metal adsorption. The kinetics of adsorption, influenced by factors such as contact time, temperature, and concentration, directly impact the rate and effectiveness of metal removal. This review presents an exhaustive analysis of the various adsorbents, categorized as activated carbon, biological adsorbents, agricultural waste-based materials, and nanomaterials, which possess distinct advantages and disadvantages that are linked to their surface area, porosity, surface chemistry, and metal ion concentration. To overcome challenges posed by heavy metal contamination, additional research is necessary to optimize adsorbent performance, explore novel materials, and devise cost-effective and sustainable solutions. This comprehensive overview of adsorption mechanisms, kinetics, and diverse adsorbents lays the foundation for further research and innovation in designing optimized adsorption systems and discovering new materials for sustainable heavy metal remediation in wastewater.

Suggested Citation

  • Zarifeh Raji & Ahasanul Karim & Antoine Karam & Seddik Khalloufi, 2023. "Adsorption of Heavy Metals: Mechanisms, Kinetics, and Applications of Various Adsorbents in Wastewater Remediation—A Review," Waste, MDPI, vol. 1(3), pages 1-31, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jwaste:v:1:y:2023:i:3:p:46-805:d:1234377
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Karim, Ahasanul & Islam, M. Amirul & Khalid, Zaied Bin & Yousuf, Abu & Khan, Md. Maksudur Rahman & Mohammad Faizal, Che Ku, 2021. "Microbial lipid accumulation through bioremediation of palm oil mill effluent using a yeast-bacteria co-culture," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 106-114.
    2. Monica Laura Zlati & Lucian Puiu Georgescu & Catalina Iticescu & Romeo Victor Ionescu & Valentin Marian Antohi, 2022. "New Approach to Modelling the Impact of Heavy Metals on the European Union’s Water Resources," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-24, December.
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