Comparative Analysis of Natural Adsorbents for Effective Adsorption of Heavy Metals in Indian Context

Abstract

Rapid population increase and industrial development in the world are deteriorating the environment through unchecked urbanisation and industrialization, and contributing to the degradation of natural habitats. Population growth and environmental deterioration provide the difficulty of sustaining development without causing environmental damage. The economical and efficient treatment of industrial and home wastewater is a global concern. Due to the rise of industrial areas in the proximity of several cities, the presence of heavy metals can also be detected in surrounding water sources. Heavy pollutant remediation techniques include solvent extraction, ion exchange, membrane process, electro dialysis, precipitation, phytoextraction, ultrafiltration reverse osmosis, and adsorption. The usefulness of processes as coagulants is well-recognized; however, there are a number of disadvantages associated with their use, including the expense of the process, its operation, maintenance, and the creation of significant volumes of sludge. However, adsorption remains the method of choice due to its effectiveness and inexpensive cost. As an agricultural nation, India creates a substantial number of agricultural wastes such as sugarcane, bagasse, coconut, jute, and rice husk, among others. Many of these substances can be employed as inexpensive, biodegradable, and readily accessible natural adsorbents. Numerous researchers have conducted studies utilising Natural adsorbents such as peanut hulls, coconut husks, and sugarcane bagasse are used to remove a variety of contaminants, including heavy metals. As there are so many alternatives for natural adsorbents, a comparative analysis should be conducted in order to select the most effective and cost-effective adsorbent that satisfies the many parameters necessary for the efficient removal of contaminants. The purpose of this study is to compare the adsorption efficiency of naturally occurring, low-cost adsorbents. In this study, three distinct natural adsorbents (Cucumber seeds, Ne