Applications of engineered magnetite nanoparticles for water pollutants removal

Water pollution treatment is a concerning subject that requires major attention. The varied nature of the contaminant agents, from chemicals to biological agents, present in water reflects the need to develop new and efficient materials for water purification. Nanotechnology-based strategies have become suitable for preparing effective, low-cost, and eco-friendly materials to treat polluted waters. Particularly, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have gained a privileged position among materials, showing a great capability for removing all sorts of pollutant agents. The magnetic materials can be easily prepared and modified to enhance selectivity toward the contaminant. Also, as a very attractive feature, this nanomaterial can be efficiently recovered from the media being re-usable. This review presents an updated state-of-the-art, including the recent and efficient magnetic material for water treatment. Regardless of the great advantages that magnetic removal provides, it is crucial to establish the boundaries and the practical scope of this material. Are magnetic materials the real solution to water purification, or do the nanomaterials represent a new environmental threat? The answer to the previous question should be further discussed.