Removal of organochlorine pesticides using zerovalent iron supported on biochar nanocomposite from Nephelium lappaceum (Rambutan) fruit peel waste.

Unique zerovalent iron (Fe) supported on biochar nanocomposite (Fe-B) was synthesized from Nephelium lappaceum (Rambutan) fruit peel waste and were applied for the simultaneous removal of 6 selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from aqueous medium. During facile synthesis of Fe-B, Rambutan peel extract was used as the green reducing mediator to reduce Fe to zerovalent iron (Fe), instead of toxic sodium borohydride which were used for chemical synthesis. For comparison, chemically synthesized Fe-B nanocomposite was also prepared in this work.

Geographical distribution of persistent organic pollutants in the environment: A review.

The sources, distribution, transformation, toxicity and accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems have attracted global concern and attention over the last several decades. Although, POPs are toxic, degrade slowly and have a tendency to accumulate in the food chain, they are still widely used worldwide in many fields, such as industrial and agricultural activities. In addition, discharge of POPs into waterways may lead to serious health-related and environmental problems.