Extraction of environmental pollutants using magnetic nanomaterials

Magnetic nanomaterials are particularly useful for extracting and enriching a large volume of target analytes because they provide high surface-to-volume ratio, easy surface modification, and strong magnetism. This review summarizes the recent advance in synthesis, modification, and application of magnetic nanomaterials for the preconcentration of environmental pollutants. The extraction of environmental pollutants with magnetic nanomaterials is generally based on hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic attraction, and/or covalent bonding formation. Environmental pollutants adsorbed on the surface of nanomaterials are released by exchanging ligands, adjusting pH, or adding organic solvent. The liberated environmental pollutants are commonly detected by gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The basic principle of each nanomaterial and its advantages for the extraction of environmental pollutants are discussed in this review.