Executive Summary : | The antibiotic present in wastewater contributes to issues with antibiotic resistance and the creation of superbugs. For instance, in 2010, China (23%), the USA (13%), Brazil (9%), India (3%), and Germany (3%), were among the top most antibiotics using countries for animal production. Not so surprisingly, the antibiotic use in the livestock industry is predicted to grow globally by 67% by 2030 and the increase is predicted to be 99% in BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and the Republic of South Africa). This is one of the greatest environmental threats that affects public health and the continued presence of antibiotics in the wastewater generated by livestock sector indicates that traditional treatment techniques are ineffective and new methods need to be developed for their effective remediation. Biochar has recently gained popularity for soil improvement, water filtration, carbon sequestration, as well as solid and liquid waste management solution. Additionally, biochar is now being investigated for usage in electrodes for the creation of green energy. Biochars have high adsorption potential due to its porous nature with high surface to mass ratio. However, there are several pre- and post-modification procedures that can further improve the adsorption qualities of biochar. Due to its improved features, tailored or nanobiochars have recently attracted higher interest in addition to macrobiochar. In addition to having a significantly larger surface area to mass ratio than macrobiochar, the nanoscale transformation of biochar made it possible for it to be used as a selective adsorber. The purpose and intention of this proposal is to develop a nanosorbent from animal waste biomass for effective removal of antibiotic groups such as sulphonamides, quinolones, tetracycline and β-lactam from livestock (cattle and swine) wastewater. Further, the proposal also aims to evaluate the rechargeability/reusability of the developed nanosorbent for possibility of multiple use. The techno-economic feasibility of the technology will be determined and the environmental impact of the products thus generated will be assessed. Till date, the development and application of nanosorbents/nanobiochar for antibiotic residue removal from cattle and swine wastewater has not been reported to the best of knowledge. |