Advances in chitin and chitosan-based materials for microplastics treatment

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Materials Science
• Water Treatment Technologies

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive aquatic pollutants from plastic use and disposal.
• Effective MP removal methods are crucial for environmental protection.
• Chitin and chitosan (CS) show potential as low-cost, biodegradable adsorbents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review chitin and chitosan sources, extraction, and properties.
• To explore chitin and CS-based materials for microplastic removal from wastewater.
• To evaluate various purification technologies utilizing these biopolymers.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on chitin and chitosan.
• Analysis of modification techniques for chitin and chitosan.
• Examination of adsorption, coagulation-flocculation, membrane, and flotation technologies.

Main Results:

• Chitin and chitosan possess functional groups suitable for MP adsorption.
• Modifications improve chitin and chitosan selectivity, strength, and stability.
• Diverse applications of chitin and CS-based materials in MP removal are demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Chitin and chitosan are promising biomaterials for microplastic remediation.
• Material modifications are key to overcoming limitations for practical use.
• These biopolymers offer sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment.