Environmental applications of chitosan and cellulosic biopolymers: A comprehensive outlook. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kanmani, P.; Aravind, J.; Kamaraj, M.; Sureshbabu, P.; Karthikeyan, S.
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 242(2017)
• Page Start: 295
• Page End: 303
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Adsorbents -- Coagulants-flocculants -- Heavy metals -- Nanobiocomposites -- Wastewater treatment; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.03.119
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Highlights: Cellulose and chitosan hold enormous potential for environmental applications. Their coagulating-flocculating ability could be exploited for wastewater treatment. Chemical functionalization enhances their interaction with specific pollutants. Biopolymer nanocomposites are effective adsorbents especially for heavy metals. Their application extends to construction and electrochemical sectors. Abstract: Biopolymers are substances naturally produced by living organisms and are hence considered to be eco-friendly and sustainable. Chitosan and cellulose are of specific significance owing to their abundant availability, ease of modification, and application potential. On the environmental front, their coagulating and flocculating effects have helped in wastewater clarification, while minimizing the dependability on synthetic polyelectrolytes. Biopolymer based hydrogels and nanocomposite films have functioned as effective biosorbents in removing an array of organic and inorganic pollutants, including xenobiotics, from wastewater. Specifically, they have been vastly harnessed for heavy metal and dye adsorption. They have also played a pivotal part in other environmental applications including anti-desertification, natural bio-sealants for preventing concrete leaks and proton conducting membranes in electrochemical devices. Such recent research on the environmental applications of biopolymers has been comprehensively analysed, thus providing a fresh insight into the future prospects of research in this domain.