Development and Characterization of Lignin‐Based Hydrogel for Use in Agricultural Soils: Preliminary Evidence. Issue 11 (15th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mazloom, Najmeh; Khorassani, Reza; Zohuri, Gholam Hossein; Emami, Hojat; Whalen, Joann
• Is Part Of: Clean. Volume 47:Issue 11(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-10-15
• Subjects: biodegradability -- lignin -- phytotoxicity -- soil conditioner -- superabsorbent hydrogels; Water quality -- Periodicals; Water -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Sewage -- Periodicals; Water chemistry -- Periodicals; 333.7205
• DOI: 10.1002/clen.201900101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1863-0650

Abstract

Abstract: In arid and semi‐arid regions of the world, agricultural production is greatly limited by water scarcity and inefficient water use. Water‐absorbent hydrogels are a technological solution that can retain soil water for plants. A lignin‐based hydrogel as a natural plant‐based water absorbent is prepared from lignin alkali polymers and poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) in adjusted alkali (NaOH) solution. The maximum swelling capacity of the hydrogel is achieved in 1.5 m NaOH with 0.5 mmol PEGDGE g lignin − 1 . Water swelling capacity is 34 g g Hydrogel − 1 dry weight of hydrogel in distilled water, which is reduced to 53% and 64% in 0.1 m NaCl and 0.1 m CaCl2 solution, respectively. Biodegradability and phytotoxicity tests show that 6.5% of the sample mass decomposed after 40 days of incubation in soil solution media and the hydrogel is not phytotoxic to wheat seeds. These findings support the use of the lignin‐based hydrogel as an environmentally friendly additive to promote water retention in dry, saline soils. Due to the limitations of this study, further assessments are needed in order to understand the efficiency of lignin‐based hydrogel application in different soils with different biota. Abstract : Water‐absorbent hydrogels are technical solutions for dealing with limited agricultural production resulting from water scarcity, which can retain soil water for plants. A lignin‐based hydrogel is prepared from plant materials (lignin polymer) and a non‐toxic cross‐linker (poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether). This green hydrogel can promote water retention in dry and saline soils and improve seed germination.