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Nowadays, there exists a global challenge confronting efficient management of municipal solid wastes. Varying degrees of environmental challenges including regular release of greenhouse gases and scarcity of available space for waste disposal have been caused by escalating accumulation of these wastes' materials resulting in inappropriate waste management. These challenges have aroused alarming public concerns, resulting in political legislation aimed at minimizing the amount of wastes getting into the environment. These activities attempt to offer solution which will enhance sustainable waste management, while promoting MSW recycling, and efficient conversion of waste materials to energy, and other valuable chemicals. These conversion procedures can be achieved through use of either biological processes such as anaerobic digestion or thermochemical procedures such as pyrolysis. Thus, the current review elucidates novel routes effectively utilized in converting MSW to energy and other valuable chemicals. Graphic abstract

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Seven Nigerian clays and clay minerals were characterized by multiple means with respect to their potential application in water purification and other industrial areas. The morphology was determined by means of SEM while chemical/mineral compositions were quantified using EDX, XPS and XRD. FT-IR and UV methods were employed to investigate the functional groups, inter alia the physical and chemical behaviours of adsorbed species. The stability in aqueous solution was determined by zeta potential measurements. The combined results revealed that the clays are mostly kaolin and illite, while clay minerals are predominantly gibbsite and quartz, although other clay-associated minerals and elements were also observed. Two out of the characterized samples will find suitable application in filter media production for water purification due to the possession of exchangeable cations and electrophoresis properties, while the others possess potential industrial applications for refractory linings, ceramics, medical, beauty and cosmetics products. This outcome implies a utilization increase in local content and a value addition to minerals in Nigeria. The results of the study are being used to design and facilitate expanded clay aggregate production to be used for the development of low-cost water filters to address the challenge of poor access to potable water in Africa and other developing continents.

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