Role of carbon nanotubes in remediation of pharmaceutical wastewater

Abstract

The discharge of wastewater from the pharmaceutical industry poses risks of detrimental effects on various ecosystems. The presence of hazardous substances in pharmaceutical wastewater is a matter of global concern due to its association with multiple disorders, including disruptions in endocrine hormones and significant chronic toxicity. As research in this field continues to grow, the valorization to nanotechnology‐based treatment of industrial wastewater approaches. One prominent focus of recent research is the utilization of nanomaterials, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), in treating pharmaceutical wastewater, aligns with the goals of sustainable development. CNTs demonstrate potential in efficiently mineralizing pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater, offering cost‐effectiveness, ease of handling, and efficacy. Additionally, CNTs possess the capability to remediate pharmaceutical wastewater at a relatively low cost, with the advantage of being recyclable. This review provides an overview of the diverse applications of various CNTs for the removal of pharmaceutical compounds from wastewater, emphasizing the mechanisms of adsorption and degradation of these compounds using CNTs. Furthermore, it sheds light on the application of CNTs in photocatalysis as an economically viable and efficient solution.