Surface engineered functional biomaterials for hazardous pollutants removal from aqueous environment

The issue of water contamination by heavy metal ions as highly persistent pollutants with harmful influence primarily on biological systems, even in trace levels, has become a great environmental concern globally. Therefore, there is a need for the use of highly sensitive techniques or preconcentration methods for the removal of heavy metal ions at trace levels. Thus, this research investigates a novel approach by examining the possibility of using pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel layered material for the simultaneous preconcentration of seven heavy metal ions; Cd(II), Co(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution and three river water samples. The quantification of the heavy metals was performed by the means of FAAS technique. The characterization of biomaterial was performed by SEM/EDS, FTIR analysis and pHpzc determination before and after the remediation process. The reusability study, as well as the influence of interfering ions (Ca, K, Mg, Na and Zn) were evaluated. The conditions of preconcentration by the column method included the optimization of solution pH (5); flow rate (1.5 mL/min), a dose of biosorbent (200 mg), type of the eluent (1 mol/L HNO₃), sample volume (100 mL) and sorbent fraction (<0.25 mm). The biosorbent capacity ranged from 4.45 to 57.70 μmol/g for the investigated heavy metals. The practical relevance of this study is further extended by novel data regarding adsorbent cost analysis (17.49 $/mol). The Punica granatum sorbent represents a highly effective and economical biosorbent for the preconcentration of heavy metal ions for possible application in industrial sectors.

Polymeric Biomass Derived Adsorbents for Co(II) Remediation, Recycling and Analysis

The gradual replacement of conventional materials with materials tailored to the green development goals is one of the needs of the day. Correspondingly, this article reviews and integrates, for the first time, the gathered knowledge on the use of the adsorbents based on polymeric biomasses (biosorbents) for a cleaner separation of cobalt (Co) from synthetic and actual solutions. It is a two-part comprehensive approach that debates the Co biosorption potential of bio-based polymers from the perspective of their virtual and real applications for decontamination, recovery, and analytical purposes. First, the removal performances of these materials to batch and fixed column biosorption of Co(II) from mono-component and multi-metallic laboratory solutions are systematized and discussed. Following that, the focus of the first part is shifted to the analytical capabilities of the biosorbents proposed for Co(II) quantification from synthetic solutions. The second section considers the polymeric biomasses successfully incorporated in practical strategies for the removal and recovery of Co(II) from real solutions. The opportunities provided by the use of biosorbents for the development of accurate and greener procedures in Co(II) analysis are also highlighted. The directions in which the research on this topic should be continued and strengthened are suggested.