Surface modified magnetic nanoparticles as efficient adsorbents for heavy metal removal from wastewater: Progress and prospects

The great amount of research on magnetic nanoparticles for application in wastewater decontamination has generated new and exciting materials in recent times. The effect of magnetic nanoparticles must be known to show low cytotoxicity and be ascertained prior to their use for wastewater treatment. Synthesized chelating ligands considerably improve the adsorbing capabilities of magnetic nanoparticles in wastewater. This paper (with over 100 refs) discusses the influence of surface modification on the efficiency of magnetic nanoparticles for the removal of heavy metals in wastewater. The progress made on or/and prospect of magnetic nanoparticles functionalization for wastewater decontamination are also extensively highlighted. This review is specifically targeted at reviewing the different strategies that could be employed for surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles for application in the removal of heavy metals from wastewater.