Arsenic Removal Using "Green" Renewable Feedstock-Based Hydrogels: Current and Future Perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Scarcity of clean water is a global challenge requiring cost-effective and environmentally friendly purification methods.
• Heavy metal contamination, particularly arsenic, poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems.
• There is a growing scientific interest in utilizing renewable resources for water treatment applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of renewable feedstock-based hydrogels for heavy metal adsorption in water remediation.
• To specifically highlight the potential of hydrogels in arsenic removal from contaminated water sources.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of arsenic chemistry, its health impacts, and adsorption mechanisms by hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review focusing on natural polymer-based hydrogels for heavy metal adsorption.
• Detailed examination of arsenic chemistry, toxicity, and its interaction with hydrogel adsorbents.
• Analysis of current challenges and future prospects for hydrogel-based water purification technologies.

Main Results:

• Hydrogels derived from renewable feedstocks show significant potential for effective heavy metal adsorption.
• Natural polymer-based hydrogels demonstrate promise for the selective removal of arsenic from water.
• The review consolidates current knowledge on hydrogel applications in arsenic remediation.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogel technology presents a viable and sustainable approach to revolutionizing heavy metal water purification.
• Further research and development are needed to address challenges related to cost, handling, and disposal for large-scale implementation.
• Renewable hydrogels are a key area for future innovation in achieving safe and accessible drinking water.