Perspective of Nature-based Solution in Wastewater Treatment: Challenges and Benefits

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are an effective way to combat pollution in wastewater treatment. Bioremediation using natural processes converts toxic pollutants into suitable or eco-friendly products, avoiding future pollution with chemical reagents. Nature-based methods include using algae, bacteria, viruses, plant and animal waste, polymers, and clays, which convert the waste into nontoxic or undetectable compounds present within low permissible limits. Various pollutants in wastewater streams, including heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceutical drugs, cosmetics, and personal care products, are disseminated through wastewater treatment plants into different environmental compartments. Environmental pollution is one of the important discussions due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Recently, treatment methods have focused on using natural solutions because of their cost-effectiveness, ease of degradation, reduced spoilage, and minimal release of toxic chemicals. Various remediation techniques involve using nature-based materials like biosurfactants, adsorption, photocatalysis, nanotechnology, and the application of genetically engineered microorganisms. Due to their ease of use and abundant availability, these materials are often inefficient in terms of regeneration ability. The consortium of nature-based materials with different chemicals provides complete mineralization and strong potential for the remediation of pollutants from wastewater streams.