Abstract

BURCIAGA-MONTEMAYOR, Nidia G. et al. Hydrogel composites with application in the remotion of heavy metals present in wastewater. TIP [online]. 2020, vol.23, e20200211.  Epub June 20, 2020. ISSN 1405-888X.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fesz.23958723e.2020.0.211.

Heavy metal pollution is a problem, that to date has not been mitigated. For this reason, it is necessary to constantly innovate among traditional techniques in order to be able to apply efficient processes in such a way that contaminants can be removed or even recovered to be reincorporated into productive processes. In this context, adsorption is such a versatile technique that its application with materials of different characteristics is viable. Among the materials that have been characterized as efficient adsorbents, are inorganic particles and polymers/biopolymers. These components by themselves have acceptable adsorbent capacities, but in recent years the generation of polymeric matrices in the hydrogel state reinforced with inorganic materials or mixtures of polymeric networks generating composites has been explored to improve or increase the adsorption capacity. Composite hydrogels combine effective adsorption, high specific surface area and easy applicability, so they represent a great alternative for the elimination of heavy metal ions present in aquatic ecosystems. For this reason, the review of the state of the art of materials with adsorbent properties is carried out, as well as the strategies to generate composites in a hydrogel state with properties adapted for the adsorption of heavy metal ions, also contemplating the challenges and areas of opportunity related to generation of this type of innovative materials.

Keywords : heavy metals; adsorption; biopolymers; hydrogel composites.