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Item Biopolymer composites for removal of toxic organic compounds in pharmaceutical effluents – A review.(Elsevier Ltd., 2022-08-09) Simelane, Nontobeko P.; Asante, Joseph K.O.; Ndibewu, Peter P.; Mramba, Anita S.; Sibali, Linda L.The generation of polluted and/or toxic effluents from pharmaceutical companies has emerged as one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. Traditional wastewater treatment methods which have been employed to address such challenges over the years have numerous significant drawbacks. Adsorption is gaining popularity in the scientific community due to its high performance, low cost, ease of handling, and diverse range of adsorbents. This review paper focuses on the application of green, environmentally friendly, cheap or readily available biodegradable biopolymer composite adsorbents as a developed technique in an attempt to completely degrade toxic recalcitrant organic compounds from various environmental matrices. This paper will discuss traditional methods, advanced methods, combination techniques including benefits and drawbacks, as well as by products or any side effects that limit their use.