Lignocellulosic Waste-Derived Nanomaterials: Types and Applications in Wastewater Pollutant Removal

Industrial wastewater pollution has reached acute levels in the environment; consequently, scientists are developing new sustainable treatment methods. Lignocellulosic biomass (LB) stands as a promising raw material because it originates from agricultural waste, forestry residues, and energy crop production. This review examines the application of nanomaterials derived from lignocellulosic resources in wastewater management, highlighting their distinctive physical and chemical properties, including a large surface area, adjustable porosity structure, and multifunctional group capability. The collection of nanomaterials incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with lignin nanoparticles, as well as biochar and carbon-based nanostructures, demonstrates high effectiveness in extracting heavy metals, dyes, and organic pollutants through adsorption, membrane filtration, and catalysis mechanisms. Nanomaterials have benefited from recent analytical breakthroughs that improve both their manufacturing potential and eco-friendly character through hybrid catalysis methods and functionalization procedures. This review demonstrates the ability of nanomaterials to simultaneously turn waste into valuable product while cleaning up the environment through their connection to circular bioeconomic principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review addresses hurdles related to feedstock variability, production costs, and lifecycle impacts, demonstrating the capability of lignocellulosic nanomaterials to transform wastewater treatment operations while sustaining global sustainability.