Functional Design and Engineering Application Challenges of Activated Alumina-Based Materials in Groundwater Remediation

Abstract

Currently, groundwater in China faces significant challenges from heavy metals such as fluorine and arsenic, as well as various emerging organic pollutants. Activated alumina-based materials are evolving from traditional single adsorption functions toward multifunctional composite environmental material systems. From the dual perspectives of practical application and environmental impact, this article briefly reviews recent advances in the functional design and engineering application challenges of activated alumina-based materials in groundwater remediation. Through methods such as surface functionalization, multi-scale structural compositing, and interfacial reaction modulation, activated alumina-based materials can achieve selective treatment and degradation of specific contaminants in groundwater. Concurrently, challenges related to long-term stability, regenerability, and compatibility with multi-technology coupling under dynamic hydrogeological conditions must be addressed. By analyzing experimental approaches such as metal/non-metal modification and organic-inorganic hybridization, which enhance the adsorption and catalytic functions of materials, this article explores novel non-radical catalytic pathways based on Lewis acid sites. Through a multidimensional integration of materials, interfaces, processes, and systems, future research directions and principles for practical engineering application design are proposed, providing theoretical references for the advancement of groundwater remediation technologies.