Industrial Sludge as Adsorbent for Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation

A drive for alternate uses for industrial sludge has been sparked by the implementation of more severe legislation governing the disposal and utilization of this waste, as well as by the increase in its generation and the disappearance of previously recognized disposal methods. The conversion of the sludge into adsorbents is one option that shows promise because it has the potential to valorize the sludge. This chapter covers various industrial sludge types and sources, along with the techniques used to treat and synthesize Industrial Sludge-Based Adsorbents (ISBAs), such as physical activation and chemical activation. So, the present chapter also addresses the controlling essential parameters for pyrolysis, such as dwell duration, heating rate, activator, and feedstock type. Also, various parameters such as pH, adsorption time, adsorbent dose amount, and temperature that affect the ISBAs’ adsorption capacity to absorb pollutants were also covered. Furthermore, the application of ISBDs for the reclamation of organic compounds, heavy metals, and other pollutants has been discussed. Finally, looking into the economic viability and environmental safety of preparing and using ISBAs in water treatment operations, as well as the development of a water-to-resource strategy in terms of reusability of ISBAs.