Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposite Materials for Detection and Removal of Pollutants in Wastewater

Abstract

Biopolymer-based nanocomposites, particularly chitosan, cellulose, alginate, starch, and carrageenan, are increasingly being employed as reinforcements for composite materials because they are biodegradable, recyclable, renewable, abundant, conveniently available, cost-effective, and non-abrasive to processing equipment. These biopolymer nanocomposite materials are also lightweight, stiff, and have good mechanical properties. Biopolymer nanocomposites have interfacial limitations because all nanocomposite biopolymers are hydrophilic. Water recycling has been made possible by biopolymer-based nanocomposite materials, which have a variety of applications for cleaning wastewater, making it a viable and cost-effective solution to water scarcity. The growing concern about heavy metal contamination has necessitated the development of new and better-suited sorbent materials for effective detoxification.