Fe-based ABO3 perovskites for photocatalytic water remediation: dye removal and desalination

Abstract

Water, a necessary renewable resource to all living things on the planet, is continuously getting polluted by human activities, such as discharge from the textile and printing industry, agricultural run-off, and industrial emissions, which pose an imminent threat to global water security. Among the water accessible on the earth surface, around 97% is seawater, and only 3% is available in freshwater form. The current worldwide water consumption of > 4600 km3/year is anticipated to rise to 5500 to 6000 km3/year by 2050 with growing population and industrialization [1]. According to the projection of the World Water Development Report (WWDR), the combined freshwater utilized by the industrial, agriculture sector, and municipalities increases by 1% every year, which subsequently increases water pollution and adversely affects the quality of drinking water [2]. Among various sources of water pollution, industries focusing on dying and textiles cause 17-20% of water pollution from 100,000 commercially available synthetic dyes with an annual production of ~7  105 tons [3]. Daily discharge of gallons (one thousand tons) of untreated dye-containing wastewater from textile industries into the water bodies is one of the major hazards to human beings and the ecosystem. The layer of dye molecules on the water surface due to their associated color reduces photosynthesis activity and affects dissolved oxygen levels [4]. The carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of dye on human health range from acute to chronic, depending on exposure. Furthermore, dyes are responsible for altering the physical and chemical strength of soil, which disturbs the overall food chain and causes harmful effects on flora and fauna. The harmful dyes leads to the death of microorganisms present in the soil and, therefore, diminish agricultural productivity. Therefore, looking towards efficient ways for wastewater treatment is one of the prerequisites for guaranteeing environmental sustainability for future generations.