A holistic view of magnetic nanoparticles for advanced water treatment and cleanup

Abstract Water contamination is a growing global concern driven mainly by industrial, agricultural, livestock, and domestic activities. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have revolutionized water purification, pollutant degradation, and environmental sensing, owing to their high surface area, tunable surface chemistry, and magnetic responsiveness. These multifunctional capabilities enable efficient contaminant removal and rapid separation under external magnetic fields, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to conventional methods. This review discusses recent advancements and future prospects of MNPs in water purification, empathizing their potential for enhanced integration into smart environmental technologies (i) as adsorbents, that can selectively capture pollutants such as heavy metals, organic dyes, and pharmaceuticals, (ii) as catalysts, in advanced oxidation processes for pollutant degradation, and (iii) in water disinfection and desalination, further expanding their applicability. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, including scalability, cost, environmental safety, and long-term stability. Addressing these concerns through interdisciplinary research and technological advancements will be key to unlocking the full potential of MNPs for sustainable water management.