The global demand for activated carbon (AC) in water treatment and purification applications is increasing. Heavy metals, medicines, pesticides, natural organic matter, disinfection by-products, and micro plastics are among the water contaminants that have shown better removal effectiveness by AC. Because of their availability and carbonaceous composition, biomass wastes have a high potential for such materials. This, in turn, can lessen the negative environmental effects caused by improper trash disposal. The literature review reveals that the studies on “low cost Activated Charcoal” for the removal of pollutants from the environment whether from water or atmosphere has been done worldwide. Various research articles are present on Activated Charcoal prepared from waste plastic for the treatment of aqueous phase. Nonetheless, there is a need to explore 1) the effect of preparation pathways on the adsorptive properties of biomass derived AC, 2) sustainable production of plastic waste derived AC and techno-economic analysis, and 3) adsorption mechanisms of GAC for removal of contaminants of emerging concerns such as micro plastics and unregulated disinfection by-products.

Keywords: Activated Carbon, Adsorption, Biomass waste, Plastic waste, Wastewater.