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The science and interface chemistry between the arsenic (As) anions and the different adsorbent systems have been gaining interest in recent years in environmental remediation applications. Metal-oxides and the corresponding hybrid systems have shown promising performance as novel adsorbents in various treatment technologies. The abundance, surface chemistry, high surface area (active-centres), various synthesis and functionalization methodologies, and good recyclability make these metal oxide-based nanomaterials as potential remediating agents for As oxyanions. This work critically reviews eight different platforms focused on the arsenic contamination issue, where the first classification describes the origin of arsenic contamination and presents geographical and demo-graphical considerations. The following section briefs the state-of-the-art remediation techniques for arsenic treatment with a comparative evaluation. An emphasized discussion has been provided regarding the adsorption and classification of various metal oxide adsorbents. In the next classification, various multi-synergism abilities like Redox activity, Surface functional groups, Surface area/morphology, Heterogeneous catalysis, Reactive oxygen species, Photo-catalytic/electro-catalytic reactions, and Electrosorption are detailed. The classification of various characterization tools for accessing the arsenic remediation qualitatively and quantitatively are given in the fifth chapter. The first-of-its-kind dedicated analysis has been given on the surface complexation aspects of the arsenic speciation onto various metal adsorbent systems using synchrotron results, surface-complexation modeling, and molecular simulation (e.g., DFT) in the sixth chapter. The current sensing applications of these novel nano-material systems for arsenic determination using colorimetric and electrochemical-based analytical tools and a note about the economic parameters, i.e., regeneration aspects of various adsorbent systems/the sustainable applications of the treated sludge materials, are provided in the final sections. This work makes a critical analysis of 'Environmental Nanotechnology' towards 'Arsenic Treatment'. [Display omitted] • Arsenic (As) contamination, geo-chemistry and state-of-the-art treatment techniques • Remediation, and mitigation onto transition metal oxide based adsorbent systems • Multi-synergistic parameters (e.g., Redox activity, Heterogeneous catalysis, Radical species etc.) • Surface complexation, modeling tools for near-molecular findings and geometries over As speciation. • Colorimetric/electrochemical sensing aspects for arsenic detection (∼ ppb order) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of mechanistic insights in environmental remediation and mitigation systems is attracting larger attention, in recent days. Here in, aluminium substituted copper ferrite impregnated rGO hybrid (CAF-rGO) is verified to understand the adsorption/electrosorption mechanism of arsenic in aqueous systems. Near-surface study (XPS: As 3d, Cu 2p, Fe 2p, Al 2p, O 1s, C 1s) proposes redox, and ligand exchange reactions between contaminant, and CAF-rGO. Adsorption capacities are observed around 128.8 mg g−1 [As(III)], 153.5 mg g−1 [As(V)] with Freundlich model isotherms. Kinetics study follows the PSO model with influence of solar light (> 420 nm). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis in different molarity conditions observed with signals around +0.1 and −0.6 V confirm the redox abilities, and N 2 /O 2 purged environments understood that electrosorption occurred through both reduction and sorption. Electrosorption study with pH variation shows the effect of protonation on the redox activity of individual arsenic species. Consistent signal around −0.6 ± 0.05 V in all the CV plots (i.e., Molarity, Environment, pH) recommends the usage of CAF-rGO for arsenic mitigation. Possible influence of photo-current (∼40 μA/cm2 at ∼ 0 V) towards As(III/V) decontamination is understood though photoelectrochemical analysis. Impedance plot shows low-resistance and better diffusion of arsenic oxy-anions during light irradiation. Synergistic nature of CAF-rGO generates reactive oxygen species (i.e., ●OH/●O 2 −/ 1 O2) in mitigating highly toxic As(III) species is also detailed in the present work. Image 1 • Mechanistic insights of arsenic (As) adsorption and electrosorption in aqueous systems. • In-situ CV analysis in various molarities, gas purging environment and pH conditions. • A constructive correlation is drawn between individual redox signals and CV plot areas. • Photo-catalytic aspects on As loading and photo-electrochemical behavior (I vs. t, EIS). • ROS signals onto the hybrid surface in influencing As remediation and mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]