New generation graphene oxide for removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the common contaminants among all hazardous environmental pollutants which are generated due to the combustion of organic materials such as oil, coal, gas, garbage, wood, tobacco, etc. Due to increase in industrialization and abandoned anthropogenic activities, PAHs are produced in large quantity to contaminate our environment. Various remediation methods such as Fenton process, biological, thermal, and UV light technology have been reported to remove these environmental contaminants. Different types of natural and chemically modified materials have been used for the safe and cost-effective removal of PAHs from the environmental sources. Nowadays, nanomaterials are used as an efficient and effective material for the removal of environmental contaminants. Among all, graphene oxide is showing a promising alternative for the elimination of PAHs from the environment due to its unique physical and chemical properties which can be used as safe and cost-effective materials. The primary objective of this chapter is to discuss the impact of PAHs on the environment as well as its risk and effects on human health. The efficiency of graphene oxide for the removal of hazardous PAHs is discussed.