Influence of magnetism-mediated potentialities of recyclable adsorbents for heavy metal ions removal from aqueous solutions – An organized review

Adsorption as a means of heavy metal ions (HMI) removal from aqueous solution (AS) has been considered a superior method compared to its conventional counterparts due to its biocompatibility, flexibility, affordability and high efficiency. Thus, non-expensive adsorbents have been developed with huge success. However, their effectiveness remains low, especially in low HMI concentrations. In the recent past, the use of magnetic nano-adsorbents coupled with an application of magnetic fields (MFs) has witnessed an enhancement of adsorption efficiency due to their synergy effect which includes the influence of intensity of MF on the number of spin alignment, adsorbate mobility and generation of heterogeneity on the adsorbent surface. Primarily, MFs aid in the separation/removal of magnetic adsorbent from the AS and, by tuning their parameters, improved adsorption capacity, rate, and selectivity are achieved. Therefore, this new report represents an overview of the utilization of magnetism as a tool for enhancing the adsorption process in diverse situations. Indeed, this significant attempt demonstrates that the magnetic nanoparticles coupled with magnetism can be considered a potential system for wastewater management.