Submission Tilte
Heavy metals and nutrients removal through carbon-based materials
Submission Abstract:
Heavy metal and nutrient pollution remains a major environmental challenge affecting freshwater, coastal, marine, and wastewater systems worldwide. Excessive inputs of metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, mercury, copper, and zinc, as well as nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, can degrade water quality, disrupt aquatic ecosystems, and pose serious risks to human health. In response, carbon-based materials have gained increasing attention as efficient, low-cost, and sustainable adsorbents for water and wastewater treatment.
This thematic issue aims to bring together recent advances in the development, modification, characterization, and application of carbon-based materials for the removal of heavy metals and nutrients from contaminated water systems. Particular attention will be given to biochar, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene-based materials, hydrochar, and other engineered carbonaceous adsorbents derived from agricultural, industrial, and biological wastes. The issue will also highlight adsorption mechanisms, regeneration potential, environmental safety, cost-effectiveness, life-cycle considerations, and practical applications at laboratory, pilot, and field scales.
By compiling original research articles, reviews, and case studies, this thematic issue will provide a platform for researchers to share innovative approaches for improving pollutant removal efficiency while promoting circular economy principles. The collection is expected to contribute to the advancement of sustainable water treatment technologies and support global efforts toward environmental protection, resource recovery, and safe water management.