Strontium-based nanomaterials for the removal of organic/inorganic contaminants from water: A review

Disappointingly, tremendous increase in water pollution due to different contaminants including inorganic contaminants, novel human-induced contaminants as well as emerging organic contaminants is becoming a serious challenge. The term ‘emerging organic contaminants’ covers newly synthesized compounds as well as the compounds, which are found as new contaminants in the environment. Alongside human-induced contamination, unpredictable weather conditions and rising temperature are likely to influence water dissemination and accessibility. So, it is very important to develop efficient wastewater treatment methods to make wastewater a useful resource and ensure its reusability. Amongst the various novel methods/technologies regarded for wastewater treatment, metallic nanoparticles have been studied intensively owing to their promising properties such as large surface area, easily modified and stability in water. Strontium (Sr), which belongs to group II of metallic elements, has worth exploring properties because of its resemblance to magnesium and calcium. This resemblance makes it very appropriate for wastewater treatment as well as medical applications. In this review article, advances in the use of Sr-based nanomaterials in the removal of different classes of contaminants (heavy metals, inorganic ions, dyes, and antibiotics) via degradation or/and adsorption has been highlighted. Different types of Sr-based nanomaterials are described, followed by discussion on synthesis of Sr-based nanomaterials using several methods, among which hydrothermal and co-precipitation are most used ones owing to their simplicity, less toxicity, and reliability. Furthermore, their corresponding usage in medical applications is summarized as well as future perspectives are discussed.