Fluoride removal in drinking water using layered double hydroxide materials: Preparation, characterization and the current perspective on IR4.0 technologies

The world's population growth, fast industrial development, and the birth of civilization are all driving up demand for clean water. Fluoride (F-) intake in excess of 4 mg/L is categorized as harmful to human health. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) is a well-known F- removal material due to its high defluoridation capacity and low cost. This work offers a review of fluoride removal methods, absorbent development, characterization techniques, and ideal LDH conditions for fluoride removal in drinking water. The most important details are the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) technologies used in wastewater treatment, the transformation of the circular economy, and the need for safety and risk assessment to ensure the industry's key performances are maintained. By embracing the IR4.0 concept and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), wastewater treatment facilities could improve their operational efficiency while also ensuring improved safety standards and compliance with environmental regulations.