Sustainable polysaccharide-based adsorbents for PFAS removal: Mechanisms, functional engineering, and future
Shahabaldin Rezania1, Amirreza Talaie2, Saeed Rajabi3
1Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, South Korea.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|April 7, 2026
Summary
Naturally derived polysaccharides offer a sustainable solution for removing persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water. Their unique structures enable efficient capture through various mechanisms, addressing challenges in water treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants resistant to conventional water treatment.
- Their chemical stability and accumulation pose significant challenges for water purification.
- Naturally derived polysaccharides are emerging as sustainable alternatives for PFAS remediation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of polysaccharide-based materials for PFAS removal.
- To explore how polysaccharide chemistry, material design, and modifications affect PFAS adsorption.
- To discuss challenges and future directions for practical application of these materials.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on polysaccharide adsorbents for PFAS.
- Analysis of adsorption mechanisms including electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic interactions, and physical entrapment.
- Evaluation of chemical functionalization and hybrid material strategies.
Main Results:
- Polysaccharide structure and chemistry significantly influence PFAS adsorption behavior.
- Targeted modifications enhance selectivity, kinetics, and regeneration, especially for challenging short-chain PFAS.
- Interplay between adsorption mechanisms, PFAS properties, and water matrix effects is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Polysaccharide-based adsorbents show promise for sustainable and effective PFAS removal.
- Further research is needed to address scalability, regeneration efficiency, and competing contaminants for real-world applications.
- Optimized design of polysaccharide materials is key for advancing water treatment technologies.
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