Numerous biotic life forms on earth are being negatively impacted by the
rising amounts of environmental pollutants caused by human activity. Heavy metals
and certain organic pollutants are widely recognized as significant environmental
contaminants globally because of their hazardous ability to persist in the environment.
Contaminants present in various forms in the environment pose a challenge for
eradication, as conventional technologies encounter difficulties in effectively
eliminating them. Contemporary research primarily aims to devise cost-effective
solutions for eliminating environmental contaminants. The latest investigation into
minimizing environmental contaminants with minimal ecological impact involves
leveraging the adsorption principles from traditional technologies alongside modified
nanoscale adsorbents. In the past decade, the untapped prospective of biological
resources enabling the biofabrication of nanomaterials (NMs) has spurred extensive
investigation for benign pollution remediation. Processes such as surface active site
interactions, electrostatic contact, photo and enzymatic catalysis, and other distinctive
phenomena associated with biofabricated NMs play essential roles in detoxifying
various contaminants.
In light of this context, the present chapter concentrates on the mechanism of
environmental remediation by emerging biofabricated nano-based adsorbent while also
addressing the remediation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Every category has
been demonstrated with appropriate examples, basic mechanisms as well as societal
applications. Last but not least, the long-term development of environmentally benign
biofabricated NM-based adsorbents is highlighted.
Keywords: Adsorbents, Bioremediation, Biofabricated NMs, Heavy metals, Persistent organic pollutants, Wastewater treatment.
