<p>The human health risk associated with the byproducts of synthetic chemicals in wastewater treatment is a major concern globally. Hence, the need to adopt a new approach in the treatment of wastewater to minimize the occurrence of these byproducts. Natural product application has provided an alternative approach that could minimize the occurrence of the byproducts. The present review collated information that will aid in the justification of the use of natural products in solving environmental problems. The information on the sustainability of the natural products application in wastewater treatment was provided. Outlook based on the sustainable and renewable wastewater treatment strategies was discussed. The natural products applied in wastewater treatment include the extract from plants (<i>Cactus latifaria</i>, <i>Opuntia ficus-indica,</i> and <i>Moringa oleifera</i>), animals (chitosan and chitin), and microorganisms (<i>Aspergillus</i> sp. and <i>Streptomonas</i> sp., <i>Spirulina platensis</i> and <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i>). Based on the collated information, they were found to be crucial and effective in the removal of contaminants from wastewater. In addition, the cost of application is less when compared to the synthetic chemical application. Although natural products application in wastewater treatment is a promising approach, gaps still exist in their application especially in a large-scale wastewater treatment. Standardization of the natural products for sustainable contaminants removal is recommended in wastewater treatment processes.</p>

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Natural products as alternative to synthetic chemicals in wastewater treatment: a sustainable approach

  • Y. A. T. Ngandjui,
  • C. M. Kalu,
  • U. V. Ogugua,
  • E. L. Udeh,
  • M. Tekere,
  • P. Adriaanse,
  • K. Ntushelo,
  • T. A. M. Msagati

摘要

The human health risk associated with the byproducts of synthetic chemicals in wastewater treatment is a major concern globally. Hence, the need to adopt a new approach in the treatment of wastewater to minimize the occurrence of these byproducts. Natural product application has provided an alternative approach that could minimize the occurrence of the byproducts. The present review collated information that will aid in the justification of the use of natural products in solving environmental problems. The information on the sustainability of the natural products application in wastewater treatment was provided. Outlook based on the sustainable and renewable wastewater treatment strategies was discussed. The natural products applied in wastewater treatment include the extract from plants (Cactus latifaria, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Moringa oleifera), animals (chitosan and chitin), and microorganisms (Aspergillus sp. and Streptomonas sp., Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris). Based on the collated information, they were found to be crucial and effective in the removal of contaminants from wastewater. In addition, the cost of application is less when compared to the synthetic chemical application. Although natural products application in wastewater treatment is a promising approach, gaps still exist in their application especially in a large-scale wastewater treatment. Standardization of the natural products for sustainable contaminants removal is recommended in wastewater treatment processes.