Green Remediation for the Removal of Mercury from Wastewater: A Review

IJEP 42(7): 863-875 : Vol. 42 Issue. 7 (July 2022)

J. Kumar* and L. D. Roy

M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore – 560 054, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Heavy metals, like lead, mercury, zinc, copper and nickel, etc., play an inevitable role in industries. But their improper disposal and irrepressible release to environment are highly hazardous and toxic in nature. Once entered into human body, they can cause heart diseases, skin problems, cancer, mutation, anaemia, premature birth, abortions, behavioural problems, etc. Various methods were developed by the researchers to control the discharge of heavy metals in the open environment. Compared to conventional methods, removal of heavy metals from wastewater by adsorption is a green and cost-effective process. Bio-adsorbents are found to be very effective in the removal of heavy metals, like Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Hg, etc. Banana peels, tomato peels/seeds, pineapple peels, orange peels, kitchen waste, agriculture waste, etc., are widely used as bioadsorbents. Present review summarizes the types and recent advancements in the field of bioadsorbent for the removal of heavy metals especially mercury. Review indicates that advancements in technology play a significant role in the reduction of heavy metals from wastewater. However, most of the studies are limited to lab-scale only. Further suggestion has been discussed for the optimization of the adsorption efficiency of the biosorbent.

Keywords

Bio-adsorbent, adsorption, heavy metals, mercury, biomass

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