A review on the versatility of Carica papaya seed: an agrogenic waste for the removal of organic, inorganic and microbial contaminants in water

The advent of civilization, coupled with growing industrialization in many countries, is placing more demand on the available water sources. At the same time, the daily surge in wastes generated by man's anthropogenic activities has led to microbial, organic and inorganic contamination of water sources. Based on available evidence, significant research efforts are being made into the use of low-cost agricultural materials such as Carica papaya seed (CPS) in the removal of these contaminants from water sources in a bid to provide clean water. In the present review, the organic, inorganic and microbial contaminants in waters were elucidated. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the CPS was illustrated. The adsorption capacity and efficiency of CPS and their composites in the remediation of the selected contaminants were discussed while identifying the various factors affecting the adsorption efficiency. Finally, the reusability of this agricultural material was discussed. Solution pH was identified as a major factor influencing the sorption process. The high removal efficiency reported in the studies that adopted CPS showed its vast potential in the elimination of contaminants from water sources. Also, the regenerative potential of the adsorbent over several cycles indicated its long-term use. The economic feasibility and environmental sustainability afforded by using CPS chart a path for further investigation into the use of other low-cost agricultural materials in the elimination of environmental contaminants. (c) 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).