Biomaterials-based biofilters from sugarcane waste: an eco-friendly way to clean water and manage nutrients

Abstract Water pollution is a huge problem for both the environment and living creature health, thus there is an urgent need to develop practical and environmentally friendly techniques to manage and clean it up. This review analyses the possibility of bagasse biofilters using sugarcane by-products as a sustainable water purification and nutrient management option. Bagasse, a typical agricultural waste, can be utilised instead of traditional treatment procedures. Bagasse is economically viable, abundant, and characterized by its porous structure, which makes it suitable for water treatment. Studies have shown that bagasse biofilters can effectively remove heavy metals (like Pb, Ni,Cr, Cu, Zn, and Cd), volatile organic compounds (VOCs; like formaldehyde, chlorine, and extra nutrients) from wastewater. The aforementioned efficacy suggests the potential for integrating biomaterials such as bagasse biofilters into existing water treatment systems, contributing to global efforts in sustainable water management and pollution control. Therefore, the review address the problem associated with production and multifaceted usage of bagasse over the world. Moreover, the present review highlights the scale-up for the large-scale fabrication process and insight into microbial involvement with the process of pollutant adhesion and ultimately impact on the environment. Graphical Abstract