Sustainable Hydrogels in Water Treatment-A Short Review
Anita Ioana Visan1, Irina Negut1
1National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 28, 2025
Summary
Sustainable hydrogels offer eco-friendly water purification solutions for global shortages. These biodegradable materials show promise in removing contaminants and regenerating for reuse, addressing pollution challenges.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Global water scarcity and pollution necessitate innovative, sustainable water treatment methods.
- Hydrogels, as absorbent polymer networks, present a promising eco-friendly alternative to traditional water purification techniques.
- The review focuses on sustainable hydrogels derived from renewable resources, emphasizing biodegradability and low toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize the synthesis, modification, and characteristics of sustainable hydrogels.
- To analyze the application of these hydrogels in removing diverse inorganic and organic water contaminants.
- To explore the regeneration potential, limitations, and future prospects of sustainable hydrogels for environmental remediation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on sustainable hydrogels.
- Categorization of hydrogel types based on synthesis and modification strategies.
- Analysis of hydrogel performance data for contaminant removal and regeneration.
Main Results:
- Sustainable hydrogels demonstrate high absorption capacity, selectivity, and reusability for pollutant removal.
- Various synthesis and modification techniques enhance hydrogel efficiency and environmental compatibility.
- Regeneration capabilities and eco-friendly properties position hydrogels favorably against conventional methods.
Conclusions:
- Sustainable hydrogels are effective and eco-friendly materials for advanced water treatment, addressing global water challenges.
- Further research into regeneration and scalability is crucial for widespread adoption.
- Hydrogels represent a key technology for achieving environmental sustainability in water purification.
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