What is it about?

This article reviews how chitosan, a natural and biodegradable material obtained from sources like shrimp shells, can be turned into advanced nanomaterials to remove harmful pollutants from water. The review explains how chitosan is processed and modified to increase its ability to capture a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other toxic substances. It also describes how combining chitosan with other materials—such as carbon, polymers, or magnetic particles—improves its strength, stability, and efficiency. The article highlights recent research and practical examples where chitosan-based nanomaterials have been successfully used to make water safer for people and the environment

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Why is it important?

Water pollution is a serious global challenge, with contaminants posing risks to human health and ecosystems even at low concentrations. Traditional water treatment methods can be costly, inefficient, or environmentally harmful. Chitosan-based nanomaterials offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and highly efficient alternative for removing a wide variety of pollutants from water. Their natural origin, renewability, and non-toxic nature make them especially attractive for large-scale use. By summarizing the latest advances, this article helps researchers, engineers, and policymakers understand how these innovative materials can contribute to cleaner water and a healthier plane

Perspectives

As one of the authors, I am excited by the rapid progress in chitosan-based nanomaterials for environmental cleanup. Our review shows that by harnessing the power of nature and nanotechnology, we can develop solutions that are both effective and eco-friendly. I believe that continued research and collaboration across disciplines will help bring these materials from the laboratory to real-world applications, making a significant impact on water quality worldwide.

Hafiz Muhammad Husnain Azam
Brandenburgische Technische Universitat Cottbus-Senftenberg

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Chitosan-based nanomaterials for removal of water pollutants, January 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-443-21891-0.00016-0.
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