Nigella sativa seeds based antibacterial composites: A sustainable technology for water cleansing - A review

Abstract The presence of pollutants such as organic dyes and heavy metals in water has become a serious problem for aquatic environment. These pollutants that reach the human body through drinking water pose a serious threat to human life. These pollutants can be responsible for diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular, neurological arteriosclerosis, and many other serious diseases in the human body. The elimination of such water pollutants is an urgent need of the society. But the present adsorption techniques available are costly and out of reach of the masses. The biofilm formation by bacterial cells onto the solid surface is also a subject of concern. In this regard, many efforts have been made to achieve an effective adsorption technology. Adsorption technology using Nigella Sativa and its composites has gained attention because of the biofilm resistance activities of the Nigella Sativa. Owning to its unique physicochemical characteristics, antibacterial properties of Nigella Sativa based composites provide a preferred material for water treatment. This review puts in a nutshell the application of Nigella Sativa based composites for water treatment. The methods of synthesis and physio-chemical properties Nigella Sativa based materials by making use of various techniques have been discussed in depth. Pollutants removals from water have been discussed in light of various parameters that affect it. The implementing and reusing of the adsorbent are also detailed out. The comparative cost, antibacterial activity, adsorption capacities and partition coefficients have also been discussed. This review will definitely be useful for the scientific community to develop the more sustainable material for water purification with high quality.