Can 'biodegradability' of adsorbents constitute an 'Achilles' heel' in real-world water purification? Perspectives and opportunities. Issue 2 (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mudhoo, Ackmez; Sharma, Gaurav; Mohan, Dinesh; Pittman Jr., Charles U.; Sillanpää, Mika
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 10:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: AA Acrylic acid -- AAm Acrylamide -- AmmOB Ammonia-oxidizing bacterial -- Av Aloe vera -- BioAdsb Biodegradable adsorbent -- CaChCf2 Caffeic acid-chitosan-cotton fiber materials -- Gg Gum ghatti -- CS; Cassava starch -- HNP Hydroxyapatite nanoparticle -- ipn Interpenetrating polymer network -- MAA Methacrylic acid -- NHA Nanocomposite hydrogel adsorbents -- PAAM Polyacrylamide -- SRPDS Stimuli-responsive protection/deprotection strategy -- TrFE Trickling filter effluent; Biodegradable adsorbent -- Micropollutant -- Microbial community -- Soil-compost milieu -- Structural integrity -- Morphological change; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2022.107321
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: Recently, the synthesis of biodegradable adsorbents has attracted research interest. However, the use of a biodegradable material for adsorbing aqueous water contaminants can raise potential contradictions. Here, we describe aspects of biodegradable adsorbents intended for water purification that are perceived as contradictory. We present an insight into the research directions which may lead to a new breed of intelligent biodegradable adsorbents intended for industrial water remediation. Our discussions are organized as follows: (1) the nexus of adsorbent biodegradability and reusability is first explained, (2) an analysis of biodegradation of biodegradable adsorbents in microbe-rich environments is then presented, and (3) discussions are provided on the potential practical issues and the related research opportunities for using biodegradable adsorbents in real-world wastewaters. Based on these discussions, we inferred the following: (1) precise tuning of the biodegradability of biodegradable adsorbents is required prior to their real-world application, (2) biodegradable adsorbents capable of intelligent functionality and structure modulations are needed, and (3) protection-deprotection strategies should be built into biodegradable adsorbents. Achieving the latter objectives requires extensive investigation that will elucidate the interactions of microorganisms with the adsorbent and other constituents in different types of contaminated waters and the extent of the resulting biodegradation. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Challenges to using biodegradable adsorbents for real water treatment are aired. Adsorbent biodegradability needs precise tuning prior to real-world application. Biodegradable adsorbents with intelligent functionality and structure are needed. Protection/deprotection strategies should be enshrined in biodegradable adsorbents.