Title:Polymeric Adsorbents: Innovative Materials for Water Treatments
Volume: 19
Issue: 2
Author(s): Mohammad Abu Jafar Mazumder*
Affiliation:
- Department of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Advanced Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran
31261, Saudi Arabia
Keywords:
Polymeric adsorbents, adsorption, heavy metal removal, emerging contaminants, water and wastewater treatment, adsorption-desorption process.
Abstract:
Background: Removing heavy metal ions and various organic contaminants from water (surface
water, groundwater, drinking water, and wastewater) using inexpensive and readily available adsorbents
is essential in all environmental and human aspects. This study aims to explore the various adsorbents
with a particular emphasis on polymeric adsorbents for their applications in the removal of heavy
metal ions and emerging contaminants from water.
Methods: A brief review as a perspective article on polymeric adsorbents with a particular emphasis on
their applications in water treatment, consequences, challenges, and relevant issues/ perspectives that
need to be resolved in the future is highlighted.
Results: Due to the increasing global human population with rapid urbanization, industrialization, and
environmental change, removing heavy metals and emerging contaminants from water fonts has become a
primary environmental concern and a huge challenge to ensure safe water supplies. This directs an utmost
demand to develop various water treatment and recycling methods. Different types of adsorbents, including
polymeric adsorbents, have also been discussed. The study indicates the presence and structural behaviors
(e.g., functional groups, degradation, adsorption, desorption), adsorption-desorption process,
regeneration, safe removal and disposal procedure, and toxicity of the adsorbents are vital to use them
safely for an extended period in the application of water treatment.
Conclusion: A brief discussion on adsorption, methods, various types of polymeric adsorbents, and their
applications for removing organic and/or heavy metal contaminants from water and wastewater is presented
in this review as a perspective article. A better understanding of the preparation of polymers from
inexpensive, readily available, natural sources and toxicity issues is still needed to be considered, particularly
in the human-related exposure and relevant risk on the water and wastewater treatment.