Speaker
Description
Increasing degradation of the global aquatic environment has intensified the search for new, low-cost adsorbents with reduced toxicity, particularly those derived from natural and renewable sources. In response to these challenges, growing attention has been directed toward sustainable and biodegradable materials such as lignin, cellulose, and starch. These biopolymers, due to their abundance, low environmental impact, and favorable physicochemical properties, represent promising alternatives to conventional synthetic polymers, especially those derived from petrochemical sources. Their use aligns with the principles of green chemistry and circular economy, which aim to minimize waste generation and promote the use of renewable resources.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that polymers of natural origin can effectively replace synthetic counterparts while maintaining high adsorption efficiency. Moreover, the incorporation of such biopolymers into advanced material systems allows for the design of functional adsorbents with tunable properties, improved selectivity, and enhanced environmental compatibility.
This study presents a comprehensive approach to the development of eco-friendly adsorbents based on natural and renewable biopolymers, including lignin, cellulose, and starch, incorporated into functional polymer matrices. These materials were synthesized using monomers such as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), vinyl acetate (VA), and triethoxyvinyl silane (TEVSi), enabling the formation of crosslinked, porous microspheres with tailored surface properties.
The obtained materials were thoroughly characterized and demonstrated effective removal of toxic dyes, such as C.I. Basic Yellow 2, C.I. Basic Blue 3, C.I. Basic Red 46, and C.I. Acid Violet 1. The adsorption behavior was found to be influenced by factors including lignin content, the presence of surfactants and electrolyte, confirming the strong potential of these materials as sustainable and cost-effective adsorbents for wastewater treatment applications.