Recent advances of nanomaterials for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs removal from wastewater: a critical review

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most widely consumed drugs. These drugs often end up in our water systems because human bodies cannot fully metabolize them, and the residual amounts are excreted through urine or feces. Their ubiquitous presence in wastewater poses various degrees of risk to non-targeted species. Cognizant of the situation, this review encompasses and probes into the occurrence, sources, removal strategies, and legislations pertaining to NSAIDs in aqueous environments. A comprehensive and state-of-the-art overview of the utilization of multifunctional nanomaterials such as nanoadsorbent, metal-organic frameworks, semiconductor-based nanocatalysts, and biologically modified nanoparticles for the efficient removal of NSAIDs in water has been discussed. Furthermore, the review is an output of a conscientious effort to bring attention to the current global guidelines, policies, and directives. The review also entails recommendations for future studies toward managing pharmaceutical contaminants in the environment. We believe that the present study is useful for environmentalists, legislators and policymakers, scientists, industrialists, and organizations working toward sustainable development goals.