Metals in the Environment: Chemical Approaches for Removal and Remediation

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination of soil and water remains a persistent environmental challenge due to industrialization, mining, and urban activities. Chemical remediation offers effective strategies to immobilize, extract, or transform toxic metals into less harmful forms. This paper reviews recent advances in chemical approaches such as precipitation, chelation, ion exchange, and redox-based treatments for environmental cleanup. Emphasis is placed on integrating green chemistry principles to reduce secondary pollution and enhance sustainability. Emerging methods like nanomaterial-assisted remediation and hybrid chemical-biological systems show promise for improving efficiency and selectivity. The paper highlights the need for site-specific assessments, lifecycle analyses, and regulatory frameworks to support the safe and effective deployment of chemical remediation technologies. Overall, chemical approaches remain essential tools in mitigating metal pollution and restoring ecological balance.