Valorization of agro-industrial biowaste to green nanomaterials for wastewater treatment: Approaching green chemistry and circular economy principles

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2022-06, Vol.311, p.114806, Article 114806
• Main Authors: Omran, Basma A., Baek, Kwang-Hyun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Green synthesis; Nanomaterials; Sustainability; Wastewater treatment; Zero-cost
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114806

Water pollution is one of the most critical issues worldwide and is a priority in all scientific agendas. Green nanotechnology presents a plethora of promising avenues for wastewater treatment. This review discusses the current trends in the valorization of zero-cost, biodegradable, and readily available agro-industrial biowaste to produce green bio-nanocatalysts and bio-nanosorbents for wastewater treatment. The promising roles of green bio-nanocatalysts and bio-nanosorbents in removing organic and inorganic water contaminants are discussed. The potent antimicrobial activity of bio-derived nanodisinfectants against water-borne pathogenic microbes is reviewed. The bioactive molecules involved in the chelation and tailoring of green synthesized nanomaterials are highlighted along with the mechanisms involved. Furthermore, this review emphasizes how the valorization of agro-industrial biowaste to green nanomaterials for wastewater treatment adheres to the fundamental principles of green chemistry, circular economy, nexus thinking, and zero-waste manufacturing. The potential economic, environmental, and health impacts of valorizing agro-industrial biowaste to green nanomaterials are highlighted. The challenges and future outlooks for the management of agro-industrial biowaste and safe application of green nanomaterials for wastewater treatment are summarized. [Display omitted] •Synthesis of bio-nanosorbents, bio-nanocatalysts, and bio-nanodisinfectants.•Green synthesized NMs are promising candidates for wastewater treatment.•Valorization of agro-industrial biowaste approaches green chemistry and circular economy.•Ago-industrial biowaste contains a variety of biomolecules that mediate assembly of NMs.•Economic, environmental, and health impacts of valorizing agro-industrial biowaste to green NMs.