ABSTRACT
Over-exploitation of the Earth’s finite fresh water resources has already impacted both ecosystems and global water reserves. The United Nations estimates that human consumption of water increased sixfold in the 20th century, while the population only tripled. Under those conditions, governments and industry worldwide have recognized that improving the water infrastructure is critical (Calvert Investments, 2013). Water contaminated by industry and agriculture with heavy metal ions, pesticides, organic compounds, endocrine disruptive compounds, and nutrients (phosphates, nitrates, nitrites) has to be efficiently treated to protect against human intoxication. Furthermore, incidental sludge from industrial wastewater treatment facilities is commonly highly contaminated with toxic compounds. Hence, the need of advanced technologies for water treatment results is huge.
