Application of biopolymers as a new age sustainable material for surfactant adsorption: A brief review

Abstract

Abstract Wastewater remediation by biopolymers and biopolymer composites is one of the most interesting research topics in the current day scenario. Emerging pollutants abatement from wastewater is of great environmental significance. Surfactants constitute one of the most prominent classes of emerging contaminants. The present review article consists of mainly recently reported studies on surfactant removal by biopolymers like chitosan, alginate, tannin composites etc. Biopolymer based adsorbents have the potential to replace conventional adsorbents like silica, alumina, activated carbon. They may show competitive behaviour in terms of adsorption capacity, cost effectiveness, biocompatibility etc. Many interesting observations related to surfactant adsorption isotherm studies reported by various research groups have been covered in this review. Several biopolymer-surfactant interactions indicated by various authors have also been highlighted. Possibilities of unexplored biopolymers for the same purpose have been recommended. Further, engineering applications of surfactant-modified biopolymers for other pollutant remediation are also included.