Waste‐Derived Adsorbents for the Removal of Pollutants

The growing concern over environmental pollution has spurred extensive research into sustainable and cost-effective methods for pollutant removal. Waste-derived adsorbents have emerged as a promising solution, leveraging abundant waste materials to create effective adsorbents for contaminants in air, water, and soil. This chapter provides an overview of the development and application of waste-derived adsorbents for pollutant removal. Waste materials, including agricultural by-products, industrial residues, and municipal solid wastes, have been extensively studied for their potential to be converted into adsorbents. These materials are not only cost-effective but also offer a sustainable way to manage waste, aligning with circular economy principles. Transformation processes such as pyrolysis, chemical activation, and physical treatments improve the adsorption properties of these materials, making them competitive with conventional adsorbents. The chapter also explores the application of waste-derived adsorbents to remove various pollutants, including heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other organic pollutants. Case studies highlight the practical uses of these adsorbents in real-world situations, demonstrating their potential to effectively address environmental pollution. For instance, biochar derived from agricultural waste has shown remarkable efficacy in adsorbing heavy metal pollutants from wastewater, while activated carbon produced from coconut shells is effective in removing organic dyes from industrial effluents. Furthermore, the regeneration and reusability of waste-derived adsorbents are critical aspects addressed in this chapter. Techniques for adsorbent regeneration, including thermal treatment and solvent washing, are evaluated for their effectiveness and impact on adsorption performance. The economic and environmental benefits of waste-derived adsorbents are discussed, emphasizing their role in sustainable pollution management. Thus, waste-derived adsorbents offer a versatile and sustainable approach to pollutant removal, transforming waste management challenges into valuable opportunities. This chapter aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a detailed understanding of the principles, processes, and applications of waste-derived adsorbents, encouraging further innovation and adoption in environmental remediation practices. Through continued research and development, waste-derived adsorbents have the potential to significantly mitigate pollution and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.