Metal-Organic Frameworks: A promising solution for efficient removal of heavy metal ions and organic pollutants from industrial wastewater

The discharge of heavy metal ions and organic pollutants from industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities poses a significant threat to water bodies and ecosystems. The persistence of these contaminants in the environment can lead to water pollution with far-reaching consequences. Human exposure to heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, as well as organic pollutants including pesticides and industrial chemicals, can result in severe health implications such as neurological disorders, cancer, and reproductive problems. Addressing this challenge requires the effective removal of these pollutants from wastewater, which can be complex and expensive. Conventional treatment methods may fall short, particularly when dealing with low concentrations or intricate mixtures of pollutants. Recently, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as highly promising materials for tackling this issue. With their distinctive structural features and customizable properties, MOFs exhibit remarkable efficacy in adsorption and elimination processes. This review article comprehensively explores the growing significance of MOFs in addressing environmental contamination. We delve into their evolving role, recent advancements, diverse synthesis methods, as well as their strengths and limitations. Furthermore, we highlight the various techniques employed for the characterization of MOFs and their versatile applications as efficient adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions and organic pollutants from industrial wastewater.