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Turning the Spotlight on Biopolymers and Carbonized Biomass for Environmental Remediation

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Abstract

This concise article essentially centres on the growing need to develop eco-friendly materials to sequestrate diverse contaminants from wastewater. The perspective emphasizes the importance of biodegradable, polysaccharide-based materials such as cellulose and chitosan and the advantages of diverse functional groups such as hydroxyl and amine in these biopolymers. Tailoring these biopolymers with non-toxic metal oxides for enhanced removal is also discussed. Carbonization of biomass is another aspect discussed in the article. Batch laboratory studies, with regard to the adsorption capacity, regeneration, and stability of these customized materials are of paramount importance before applying them in the treatment of larger volumes of wastewater. These features will open the doors for chemists and chemical engineers to work together and evaluate the viability of upgradation using customized biopolymers and carbonaceous materials to treat industrial effluents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science -Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, 500 078, India

    N. Rajesh

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  1. N. Rajesh
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Correspondence to N. Rajesh.

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N. Rajesh is a Senior Professor in the Department of Chemistry, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus, India. His research interests include development of novel biopolymer and carbonaceous materials for the effective detoxification of heavy metals, fluoride and pesticides from water and industrial effluents. He has been instrumental in developing the undergraduate chemistry teaching and research laboratories from conception to completion at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus.

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Rajesh, N. Turning the Spotlight on Biopolymers and Carbonized Biomass for Environmental Remediation. Reson 27, 817–823 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-022-1374-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-022-1374-6

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