Cellulose for the effective decontamination of water pollution

Abstract

The widespread industrialization, urbanization, and technological development have triggered the daily release of considerable amounts of pollutants, specifically in aquatic environments. Previous research and work-studies indicate the existence of defined properties, such as low cost, non-toxicity, biodegradability, reusability, and easy synthesis, preparation or extraction, which make a material an ideal agent for the remediation of water or the environment. Therefore, the scientific community has focused on the development and study of several novels, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective materials. Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer encountered worldwide. Thereby, due to the unique biological properties that this biopolymer possesses, it has emerged as a potential candidate to replace synthetic materials for practical bioremediation of contaminated water. Furthermore, the presence of hydroxyl groups on its surface makes this biopolymer highly malleable, thus significantly enhancing its physicochemical properties by using a wide variety of functional groups and modification methods. The present review describes the different biopolymers useful for remediation of environmental pollution, explores in more detail the characteristics of cellulose and its promising applications in the decontamination of water pollution, and pays special attention to the removal of heavy metal ions, dyes, and hydrophobic organic compounds.

Unlocking Heavy Metal Remediation Potential: A Review of Cellulose–Silica Composites

“…An organic polymer called cellulose holds the anhydroglucose units of a long straight-chain molecule together. The -(1,4)-glycosidic connections bind these anhydroglucose units to-gether [45,47]. The abundance of OH groups in the cellulose structure allows for a number of processes to take place that can change the surface charge.…”

“…Numerous sources, including plants, animals, aquatic life, and microorganisms, can yield cellulose. Wood pulp is one of the most widely used sources of cellulose [45]. The ecosphere s most readily available and renewable source of organic polymers is cellulose [46].…”

Cu (II) and Fe (II) ion sorption by cotton cellulose modified with diethylenetriamine

“…В последние годы загрязнение окружающей среды ионами тяжелых металлов становятся одной из главных проблем во всем мире [1]. Их накоплению в окружающей среде способствует развитие промышленности, транспорта, сельского хозяйства, рост городов [2]. Определенный вклад в процесс загрязнения окружающей среды тяжелыми металлами вносят естественные источники, такие как вулканическая деятельность, выветривание горных пород и др.…”

Cu (II) and Fe (II) ion sorption by cotton cellulose modified with diethylenetriamine

“…Environmental pollution by heavy metal ions has become one of the main problems worldwide in recent years [1]. Their environmental accumulation is promoted by the development of industry, transport, agriculture, and urban growth [2]. Natural sources such as volcanic activity, weathering of rocks, etc.…”