Current Research and Future Directions in Affordable Arsenic Removal Technologies
摘要
Arsenic pollution in water for human consumption is a major public health hazard worldwide, especially in developing countries where access to potent water treatment facilities is poor. This chapter reviews ongoing research lines and future developments in finding affordable technologies for arsenic removal, covering socioeconomic and health impacts and limitations of such treatments present today. Focus is given to low-cost and cost-effective approaches that can be applied in low resource settings. New developments from the field of materials science have resulted in several options for arsenic remediation. Novel materials- new adsorbents, nonconventional iron species, i.e. biochar, iron oxide coated sands, nanomaterials gave arsenic removal up-gradation, efficiencies. Bioremediation techniques like phytoremediation using arsenic-accumulator plants and microbes hold good promise for environment-friendly options. The use of membrane-based technologies for the removal of arsenic is also discussed. The integration of these technologies into existing water infrastructure is explored and written with modular and scalable designs that can be adapted to the various needs of communities. The importance of interdisciplinary research in bringing laboratory-scale innovation into field applicability is also highlighted. Research directions for the future are identified, and areas of process intensification for more effective treatment of arsenic pollution are outlined. Extensive field studies and pilot project are required to test the laboratory research outcome and optimize the transfer of technology to practical application. In addition, the incorporation of socioeconomic elements into the design and application of arsenic removal technologies is suggested, so that they might be sustainable and acceptable to communities in affected areas.