Adsorption, catalytic oxidation, and phytoremediation for air pollution control: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Modern office infrastructure, furnishings, and traditional cooking practices contribute to air pollution, posing significant health risks, including respiratory issues, cancer, and immune system suppression, especially for vulnerable groups. This review examines recent progress in adsorption, catalytic oxidation, and phytoremediation for reducing volatile organic compounds and fine particulate matter, major air pollutants. Adsorption technologies employ conventional materials like activated carbon and advanced options like metal–organic frameworks and biochars, offering high adsorption capacities due to tunable structures and large surface areas. Catalytic oxidation, including photocatalytic and thermocatalytic methods, effectively degrades pollutants, with composites like nano-ZnO/coke enhancing removal efficiencies. Phytoremediation using household plants like Epipremnum aureum and green walls effectively removes pollutants through enzymatic degradation, stomatal absorption, and microbial synergy. This review assesses integrated strategies' scalability, efficiency, and practicality for comprehensive air quality management, highlighting their potential to enhance public health.