Removal of hazardous heavy metals from aqueous environment by low-cost adsorption materials

The rapid growth of the human population and industrialization in the world has indirectly increased environmental problems such as water, air and land pollution. Amongst all, heavy metals can be considered as the most problematic pollutants. Numerous efforts have been attempted to minimize the impact of heavy metals. This chapter discusses the recent developments and technical applicability of different treatment methods for heavy metal removal. The adsorption process using various low-cost materials as the potential alternative for heavy metal removal is being highlighted and summarized. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.