A Critical Review of Clay Minerals for Groundwater Protection and Treatment
Abstract
Beneath the Earth’s surface lies a hidden realm of immense environmental and ecological significance—groundwater. This vital resource is faced with increasing threats from a myriad of contaminants, both natural and anthropogenic. Clay minerals, often overlooked components of geological formations, serve as nature’s heroes in protecting and remediating groundwater. This chapter highlights the remarkable role of clay minerals, particularly montmorillonite, in safeguarding groundwater. Their unique physico-chemical properties enable them to function as natural filters, adsorbents, and barriers against pollutants, with exceptional efficiency in ammonium removal through interlayer sites and cation exchange mechanisms. The chapter details how clay minerals manage harmful substances, preventing their spread into aquifers, and examines engineered clay solutions in groundwater remediation, emphasizing advancements in nanotechnology and material science. The chapter also addresses the challenges and limitations of clay minerals in different geological contexts and contamination scenarios, providing a balanced perspective on their role in groundwater protection. By shedding light on these ‘unsung heroes’, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the intricate natural systems that help maintain groundwater quality and inspire innovative approaches to water resource management and environmental remediation.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Ferulic acid regulates the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model
- Novel Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Parameters Quantify the Exposure–Effect Relationship of Levofloxacin against Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli
- Photochemical behavior of levofloxacin
- Correlation Between Dissolution Profiles of Salt-Form Drugs in Biorelevant Bicarbonate Buffer and Oral Drug Absorption: Importance of Dose/ Fluid Volume Ratio
- Evaluation of the synergistic potential and mechanisms of action for de novo designed cationic antimicrobial peptides
- Synthesis of [11C]levofloxacin
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.