Sequestration of Ben(a)pyrene from Coking Wastewater - Review

Since coal is the most used commodity for electricity supply, several coal mines have been abandoned. These coal mines have resulted in releasing a chemical compound known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Coal is the second largest resource after oil, and it has multiple uses in several applications. Coal mining and its impact on the environment has exacerbated the quality of water. Ben(a)pyrene (BaP), one of the most toxic pollutants has been given attention according to the World Health Organization (WHO) as the most toxic pollutant amongst the 16 PAHs that are mostly found in water bodies and contact with humans. It is also known to be highly concentrated in coking wastewater and poses significant health implications of having carcinogenic properties which have urged for its sequestration. Several technologies have previously been employed in mitigating the challenges however, the limitations of these technologies have resulted in suggesting an alternative method that could be introduced. In this review, these techniques are being reviewed and discussed on the fate of BaP-PAHs in coking wastewater. The advanced oxidation method has been considered as the most preferred method in aiding to sequestrate BaP-PAHs however, some studies have proven that the biological method using mushrooms can be used in sequestrating BaP-PAHs. However, the future perspective in determining the fate of BaP-PAHs can be considered in functionalizing the mushrooms with a metal oxide in aiming to sequestrate PAHs in coking wastewater.