Case Studies in Remediation of Emerging Contaminants and Contaminated Sites
摘要
Emerging pollutants including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and heavy metals have become a growing concern for both environmental safety and public health worldwide. Conventional treatment methods often fall short in managing these contaminants due to their durability and complex chemical nature. This chapter explores a range of real-world case studies that demonstrate effective remediation techniques for such pollutants across both Indian and global contexts. From India, the focus is on pharmaceutical wastewater management in Hyderabad and natural methods for arsenic removal in West Bengal. On the global front, the chapter covers advanced solutions like foam fractionation for PFAS treatment in Australia, the use of constructed wetlands for eliminating pharmaceutical residues in Spain, and the application of nanotechnology for chromium cleanup in the United States. A comparative analysis sheds light on the performance, scalability, and limitations of each method. The chapter wraps up with key takeaways and forward-looking suggestions for improving future remediation practices.