Nanomaterials for Remediation of Pharmaceutical Containing Aqueous Medium and Wastewaters

Disposal of untreated pharmaceutical waste into water bodies is a growing threat to the aquatic ecosystem and humans as well. Among various physicochemical, advanced oxidation, and bioremediation processes adopted, bioremediation emerges as the most environmentally friendly and economically viable alternative to manage this serious environmental concern. The main focus of the chapter is on nanobiotechnology that utilizes nanoscale materials for removing toxic compounds from wastewater. The nanomaterials have a size even smaller than one billionth of a meter and possess unique properties including high absorption potential, huge surface area, eco-friendly fabrication, and strong affinity toward organic and inorganic compounds. The use of novel nanomaterials for the sustainable treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater is a favorite option for environmental engineers these days. Different nanomaterials used for the treatment of pharmaceutical containing aqueous medium and wastewaters like electrospun lignin nanofibers, polyaniline/ZrO2 nanocomposite, Cu-TiO2 single-walled carbon nanotubes, curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier, Fe3O4/Au nanocomposite, Fe3O4-chitosan nano-adsorbent, TiO2/ONLH nanocomposites, ZnO nanoparticles, ZnO/sepiolite heterostructured nanomaterials, Ni-Al layered double hydroxide nanoparticles, tungsten/carbon nanotube heterojunction nanocomposite, organic-inorganic hybrid TiO2 doped with molybdenum, MnOx/ nano-graphite/2-ethylanthraquinone/activated carbon cathode, graphene-based nanomaterials, and multi-wall carbon nanotubes/titanium oxide (MWCNT/TiO2) nanocomposite have been discussed in the literature. Classification of the nanomaterials has been also highlighted. The chapter attempts to provide all the useful information on novel nanotechnology employed for pharmaceutical wastewater management.