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Natural and Natural-Based Polymers: Recent Developments in Management of Emerging Pollutants.
Radu Claudiu Fierascu1,2, Irina Fierascu1,3, Roxana Ioana Matei Brazdis1,2
1National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM-Bucharest, 060021 Bucharest, Romania.
Polymers
|May 13, 2023
Summary
Natural polymers offer a green chemistry solution for removing emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals and microplastics from water. This study explores their application for environmental protection and contaminant removal.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Green Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Anthropogenic activities introduce novel, unmonitored pollutants, termed emerging contaminants, into the environment.
- Emerging contaminants encompass diverse substances including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, microplastics, and industrial intermediaries.
- Increasing global demand for clean water necessitates effective and sustainable pollutant removal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the industrial application of natural polymers for environmental protection.
- To review recent developments in using natural polymers for removing emerging contaminants.
- To assess the potential of natural polymers for removing other contaminants like radioisotopes and nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on natural polymer applications in environmental remediation.
- Analysis of studies focusing on the kinetics of contaminant removal processes.
- Evaluation of the 'green chemistry' approach in pollutant management.
Main Results:
- Natural polymers show promise as effective materials for removing a wide range of emerging contaminants.
- These materials are also applicable for the removal of radioisotopes and nanoparticles from water.
- The study highlights the integration of natural polymers with green chemistry principles for sustainable water treatment.
Conclusions:
- Natural polymers represent a viable, eco-friendly solution for addressing the challenge of emerging contaminants.
- Further research into process kinetics and material development can optimize their industrial application.
- The use of natural polymers aligns with sustainable practices for water resource management and environmental protection.
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