Surface Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles as an Efficient Material for Wastewater Remediation: A Review

Novel methods for management of environmental quality is directly proportional to the growth of the society. This paper reviews the advanced developments in the synthesis methods, surface modifications and applications of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in environmental applications such as wastewater treatment and others. Surface modifications of magnetic nanoparticles with various inorganic, organic and biomolecules such as silicon dioxide, surfactants, metals etc. enhances the properties of the nanoparticles. The present review access the use of MNPs in removing the organic and inorganic contaminants present in the water bodies. Such methods are cost-friendly, eco-friendly, sustainable and easy to access as compared to other methods or techniques. Various organic and inorganic contaminants such as dyes, heavy toxic metals, pesticides, insecticides, pharmaceuticals etc. can be adsorbed or degraded by MNPs with high removal efficiency upto >95% and recycling upto 5 cycles with a minimum time span of 15 to 25 min. The novelty of the work on surface modified magnetic nanoparticles for wastewater remediation lies in several aspects such as enhanced adsorption affinities for particular contaminants, diverse functionalizations that enables targeting wide range of contaminants, synergic effects can enhance overall remediation and magnetic recovery provides access of easy separation and minimizing waste. The need for removal of such contaminants are necessary to reduce the harmful effects on plants, human as well as to aquatic beings.