Polymer nanocomposite adsorbents for the removal of pharmaceutical formulations the aquatic environment: a review

Water, an essential element for life, is becoming increasingly contaminated due to the continuing discharge of hazardous substances into our water sources. Pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, dyes, colorants, heavy metals, and pesticides are examples of some of the organic and inorganic substances that persistently contaminate water systems and traditional wastewater treatment systems are not designed to remove dissolved organic constituents, which is why their entry into the environment is so ubiquitous. Common pharmaceuticals such as aspirin, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen, are amongst the most substantial contributors to water pollution The efficient and eco-friendly management of pharmaceutical pollutants presents a major challenge due to their intricate chemical compositions, and many remediation approaches are either inefficient or too costly. Recently, polymer composite adsorbents have been shown to facilitate the effective elimination of pharmaceutical contaminants and other pollutants from aqueous solutions, demonstrating significant efficacy in environmental remediation by integrating nanoparticles within various matrices. The effectiveness of these materials is primarily attributed to their large surface area and increased reactivity. Photocatalysis, filtration, enhanced oxidation processes, ion exchange, biological treatment, and chemical degradation are the main ways that pollutants are removed. However, adsorption is the most common, quick, effective, and cost-effective way to get rid of these pollutants, making it easier to choose and remove different therapeutic compounds. Moreover, the ability to recycle and regenerate many nanocomposite adsorbents throughout multiple cycles is both economically advantageous and environmentally beneficial. The main goal of this review is to highlight recent developments in polymer nanocomposite adsorbents that are used to remove pharmaceutical contaminants in water sources.