*2.2.1 Advantages and disadvantages of using biodegradable magnets*

Biodegradable magnets have several advantages over traditional magnetic materials when it comes to protecting the environment.


However, there are also some drawbacks associated with the use of degradable magnets that must be considered before determining whether they are suitable for a particular application. First, biodegradable magnets tend to have lower magnetic properties than conventional permanent magnetic materials, which may limit their usefulness in some applications that require high levels of magnetism (for example, medical imaging) [32]. Second, biodegradable magnets tend to be more expensive

than traditional permanent magnet materials due to their higher production costs and shorter lives (i.e., they will need to be replaced more frequently). Finally, there is still a lot of research to be done before this material can be widely adopted by industry due to its relatively new nature and lack of commercial availability now (although this is likely to change in the future).

There has been considerable research conducted on biodegradable magnets in recent years with a focus on improving their magnetic properties while maintaining their environmental benefits (i.e., breaking down naturally without releasing any hazardous substances). For example, researchers have developed new types of polymers which can be used as binders for magnetic particles, which improve both strength and flexibility while still allowing them to break down naturally over time [33, 34]. Magnetic particles are a type of nanomaterial that can be used to improve the strength and flexibility of materials while still allowing them to break down naturally over time. These particles are typically composed of iron oxide, which is a magnetic material that can be manipulated by an external magnetic field. When these particles are added to a material, they create a network of tiny magnetic fields that interact with each other, increasing the strength and flexibility of the material [35, 36]. Additionally, these particles are biodegradable and will break down naturally over time, making them an environmentally friendly option for improving materials. Additionally, researchers have developed new types of starch-based plastics, which have been found to possess superior mechanical properties compared with traditional synthetic plastics while still being capable of breaking down naturally [37].

#### **2.3 Reduce environmental damage with magnetic polymers**

Magnetic polymers are a type of polymer that contains magnetic particles within their structure. These particles can be manipulated by an external magnetic field, making them useful in a variety of applications, including environmental remediation. One potential use for magnetic polymers is in reducing environmental damage caused by oil spills. When an oil spill occurs, it can have devastating effects on the surrounding ecosystem [38, 39]. The oil can coat the feathers of birds and fur of mammals, making it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature and leading to hypothermia. It can also contaminate water sources, killing fish, and other aquatic life. Magnetic polymers could be used to help clean up these spills by attracting and removing the oil from the water. The magnetic particles within the polymer would bind to the oil molecules, allowing them to be easily removed from the water using a magnet. This would reduce the amount of time and resources needed for cleanup efforts and minimize the impact on the environment. Another potential use for magnetic polymers is in removing heavy metals from contaminated soil or water. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium can be toxic to humans and wildlife, causing various health problems. Magnetic polymers could be used to selectively remove these metals from contaminated areas, reducing their impact on the environment [40]. Generally, the use of magnetic polymers has great potential for reducing environmental damage caused by various pollutants. As research continues in this area, we may see more widespread adoption of this technology in environmental remediation efforts [41]. This review article provides an overview of the use of magnetic polymers for environmental remediation, including their synthesis, properties, and applications in the removal of pollutants from water and soil [42]. This paper discusses the synthesis and characterization of magnetic polymer composites and their potential applications in environmental remediation, such as the removal of

#### *Perspective Chapter: Environmental Impact of Modern Permanent Magnets DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.111661*

heavy metals from wastewater [43]. This research paper focuses on the synthesis and characterization of magnetic polymer nanocomposites for environmental applications, including their use in the removal of organic pollutants from water [44]. This study investigates the use of magnetic polymer microspheres for the removal of heavy metals from contaminated water, demonstrating their high efficiency in removing lead ions [45]. This research paper reports on the synthesis and characterization of magnetic polymer nanoparticles for environmental applications, including their use in the removal of organic pollutants from water and soil samples with high efficiency and selectivity. Overall, magnetic polymers represent a promising class of materials with unique properties that have potential applications in various fields.

#### **2.4 Reduce environmental damage with magnetic nanoparticles**

Magnetic nanoparticles have emerged as a promising tool for reducing environmental damage. These tiny particles, typically less than 100 nanometers in size, can be engineered to selectively bind to specific pollutants in water or soil [46–48]. Once bound, the nanoparticles can be easily removed using a magnetic field, leaving behind cleaner water or soil. One example of this technology in action is the use of magnetic nanoparticles to remove heavy metals from contaminated water. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium are toxic to humans and wildlife and can persist in the environment for decades. Magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with chelating agents can selectively bind to these metals and remove them from water. Another application of magnetic nanoparticles is in the remediation of oil spills. When oil spills occur, they can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems. Magnetic nanoparticles can be used to selectively bind to the oil droplets and then be removed using a magnetic field [49]. This approach is effective in laboratory studies and could potentially be used in real-world oil spill scenarios. Overall, the use of magnetic nanoparticles for environmental remediation shows great promise for reducing environmental damage caused by pollutants such as heavy metals and oil spills [50]. With continued research and development, the unique properties of magnetic nanoparticles make them a promising area of research for a wide range of applications [51].

#### **2.5 Reduce environmental damage with renewable energy sources**

Renewable energy sources can be replenished by nature and do not emit greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air [52]. Renewable energy sources include Solar Energy, where solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power homes and businesses. This reduces the need for fossil fuels and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions [53]. As well as wind Energy, Wind turbines generate electricity by harnessing the power of the wind. This is a clean and renewable energy source that does not produce harmful emissions [54]. In addition, renewable energy sources include hydro Energy; hydroelectric power plants generate electricity by using the force of moving water to turn turbines. This is a clean and renewable energy source that does not produce harmful emissions. Also Geothermal Energy, Geothermal power plants use heat from the earth's core to generate electricity. This is a clean and renewable source of energy that does not produce any harmful emissions [55]. Finally, Biomass Energy is another renewable source of energy; Biomass refers to organic matter such as wood, crops, or waste that can be burned to generate heat or electricity. This is a renewable source of energy that can help reduce

greenhouse gas emissions [56]. Using these renewable energy sources can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and minimize environmental damage caused by burning coal, oil, and gas.

#### **2.6 Reduce environmental damage with green manufacturing processes**

Green manufacturing processes can play a significant role in reducing environmental damage caused by manufacturing activities. Green manufacturing refers to the use of environmentally sustainable practices in the production of goods. It involves reducing the use of raw materials, water, energy, and other resources and minimizing waste and greenhouse gas emissions [57]. Green manufacturing is a process that reduces environmental damage during the production of goods. This is because manufacturing processes often involve the use of harmful chemicals and materials, and the waste products created by manufacturing can be difficult to dispose of properly. Green manufacturing is a process that seeks to reduce the amount of environmental damage caused by manufacturing [58]. There are several ways in which green manufacturing can be achieved, as shown in **Figure 2**.

One way to reduce the environmental damage caused by manufacturing is to use alternative energy sources to power manufacturing processes, for example, solar, wind, and hydropower to power manufacturing facilities. This reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions [59]. Another way to reduce the environmental damage caused by manufacturing is to use recycled materials in the manufacturing process. This helps to conserve natural resources and reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. In addition, green manufacturing processes involve the use of eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable plastics, recycled

**Figure 2.** *Green manufacturing process that reduces environmental damage.*
