Alginate-Based (Nano) Materials for Dyes and Metals Uptake

ABSTRACT

Water pollution is a worldwide issue due to rapid economic development, population growth and climate change. Environmental pollution control is one of the top priorities to accomplish the pressing need in clean water requirement for a sustainable management. Various techniques have been employed in the reduction of contaminants, and nanomaterials are found to be effective in removing heavy metals and organic pollutants from industrial effluents. Nanotechnology enabled treatment techniques have been emerged as one of the most promising area of research in the industrial wastewater treatment applications. Alginate is a natural anionic polymer derived from the brown seaweed, and has been extensively employed in medical, pharmaceutical, textile and heavy metal industries etc. Sodium alginate based nanoparticles and nanocomposite thin films are receiving considerable attention in recent times due to their attractive functional properties and cost effectiveness. This chapter provides an overview of the recent advances in alginate based functional nanomaterials, its fabrication methods, characterization studies and its application in wastewater treatment. The application of alginate based nanomaterials for the successful treatment of textile and heavy metal industries are highlighted. This chapter also highlights the advantages of alginate based materials for the development of nanoparticles, its surface characterization and effective removal of organic pollutants from textile industry wastewater and heavy metal removal by employing nanotechnology enabled treatment techniques. Special focus is given to the goals and targets of United Nations sustainable development goals (UNSDG 2030) for sustainable water management.