Innovative Application of Cellulose Nano-crystals from Agricultural Waste for Enhanced Pharmaceutical Wastewater Treatment through Artificial Intelligence-Driven Adsorption Modelling

The effective treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater poses a significant challenge due to the presence of complex and diverse organic and inorganic contaminants. Traditional treatment methods often fall short in completely removing these pollutants, leading to environmental concerns and potential health risks. In recent years, adsorption has emerged as a promising technique for the removal of pharmaceutical compounds from wastewater due to its efficiency and versatility. This review article comprehensively examines the utilization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from agricultural waste as novel adsorbents for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment, coupled with artificial intelligence (AI) modelling techniques. Cellulose nanocrystals, obtained through the hydrolysis of cellulose-rich agricultural byproducts, present exceptional adsorption properties owing to their high surface area, unique surface chemistry, and biocompatibility. These characteristics make them ideal candidates for capturing pharmaceutical contaminants. It highlights the various methods of CNC extraction, modification, and characterization, underscoring their effectiveness in removing diverse pharmaceutical compounds from wastewater streams. It also provides insights into the potential of combining cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and artificial intelligence (AI) modelling for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. While the findings are promising, further research and real-world validation are needed to substantiate the claims of this approach's revolutionary impact. The combination of CNCs and AI modelling presents a sustainable and efficient solution to address the challenges associated with pharmaceutical wastewater pollution. Finally, it underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between materials science, environmental engineering, and AI-driven research for achieving effective and environmentally responsible pharmaceutical wastewater treatment solutions.