Improving chitosan performance in the simultaneous adsorption of multiple polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by oligo(beta-pinene) incorporation

Author(s)

Rodrigues, Plinio Ribeiro ; Silva Nascimento, Luis Eduardo ; Godoy, Helena Teixeira ; Vieira, Ronierik Pioli

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Carbohydrate Polymers; v. 302, p. 10-pg., 2023-02-15.

Abstract

The occurrence of persistent organic pollutants in aquatic bodies, namely polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), has been increasingly detected. The presence of such contaminants represents a serious threat to human health due to their toxicity. Therefore, aiming to provide a novel and efficient alternative for PAHs' removal from water, the present study assesses the effect of oligo(beta-pinene) blended with chitosan for the adsorption of these pollutants. Oligo(beta-pinene) with phenyl end-groups was synthesized by organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (O-ATRP) and incorporated in different concentrations (6, 12, and 18 %) to chitosan films. The oligo(beta-pinene) loading in the chitosan matrix impressively improved this polysaccharide adsorption capacity. The formulation containing 12 % of oligomer demonstrated a contaminant removal performance three times higher (298.82 %) than pure chitosan during only 1 h of the decontamination process. Adsorption isotherms showed an improved uptake of PAHs with the increase of the contaminants' concentration in the aqueous media due to the formation of a higher concentration gradient. Additionally, a comprehensive characterization of oligo (beta-pinene)/chitosan formulation was performed to provide a better understanding of the interactions between the components of the blends. Overall, it was concluded that oligo(beta-pinene)/chitosan blends can be used as a high-performance and sustainable alternative for PAHs removal. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/02508-5 - Synthesis of poly(limonene) via O-ATRP: a proposal to increase molar mass and absence of metal residues in the production of a renewable source polymer
• Grantee: Roniérik Pioli Vieira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants