Recent advances in nanocellulose-based adsorbent for sustainable removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from water bodies: A review

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-11, Vol.280 (Pt 2), p.135799, Article 135799
• Main Authors: Nordin, Abu Hassan, Yusoff, Abdul Hafidz, Husna, Siti Muhamad Nur, Noor, Siti Fadilla Md, Norfarhana, Abdul Samad, Paiman, Syafikah Huda, Ilyas, Rushdan Ahmad, Nordin, Muhammad Luqman, Osman, Mohamed Syazwan, Abdullah, Norfazliana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption; Cellulose - chemistry; Nanocellulose; Nanostructures - chemistry; Pharmaceutical pollutant; Pharmaceutical Preparations - chemistry; Pharmaceutical Preparations - isolation & purification; Wastewater - chemistry; Wastewater treatment; Water Pollutants, Chemical - chemistry; Water Pollutants, Chemical - isolation & purification; Water Purification - methods
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135799

The long-term presence of pharmaceutical pollution in water bodies has raised public awareness. Nanocellulose is often used in adsorption to remove pollutants from wastewater since it is an abundant, green and sustainable material. This paper offers an extensive overview of the recent works reporting the potential of nanocellulose-based adsorbents to treat pharmaceutical wastewater. This study distinguishes itself by not only summarizing recent research findings but also critically integrating discussions on the improvements in nanocellulose production and sorts of alterations based on the type of pharmaceutical contaminants. Commonly, charged, or hydrophobic characteristics are introduced onto nanocellulose surfaces to accelerate and enhance the removal of pharmaceutical compounds. Although adsorbents based on nanocellulose have considerable potential, several significant challenges impede their practical application, particularly concerning cost and scalability. Large-scale synthesis of nanocellulose is technically challenging and expensive, which prevents its widespread use in wastewater treatment plants. Continued innovation in this area could lead to breakthroughs in the practical application of nanocellulose as a superior adsorbent. The prospects of utilization of nanocellulose are explained, providing a sustainable way to address the existing restriction and maximize the application of the modified nanocellulose in the field of pharmaceutical pollutants removal. [Display omitted] •Pharmaceuticals are emerging contaminants that endangers human health, ecosystems, and marine life.•High surface area and surface functionality of nanocellulose are beneficial for removing pharmaceuticals contaminants.•Positively charged, negatively charged, and hydrophobic nanocelluloses are superior pharmaceutical adsorbents.•The limitations and prospects of nanocellulose-based adsorbents are addressed for future application.