ASSESSMENT OF CHITOSAN HYBRID/COMPOSITE HYDROGELS: SYNTHESIS AND MECHANISM OF CONTAMINANT ADSORPTION FROM AQUEOUS PHASE

Abstract

Naturally occurring polysaccharide chitosan has been recognized as one of the bio-polymers that has extensively been utilized for the adsorption of the wide spectrum of heavy metals, oil, pesticides, dyes, etc. present in a smaller concentration from wastewaters. In this domain, the hybrid or composite hydrogel bead forms of chitosan (bio-matrix) are potentially more efficient and stronger than the parent version in bringing the effluents to their discharge standards. Various methods of gelation and crosslinking with suitable solvents are contributing toward tailoring and reinforcing hydrogel beads, thus making a rigid structure suitable for multi-cycle use before disposal. The mechanism of the adsorption by cross-linked hydrophilic chitosan hybrid gel is also studied in this paper to understand the role of surface-based active sites of bio-matrix and facilitate the exchange of ligands through them.