Recent Advances on Starch-Based Adsorbents for Heavy Metal and Emerging Pollutant Remediation

Author(s)

Costa, Talles B. ; Matias, Pedro M. C. ; Sharma, Mohit ; Murtinho, Dina ; Rosa, Derval S. ; Valente, Artur J. M.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: POLYMERS; v. 17, n. 1, p. 37-pg., 2025-01-01.

Abstract

Starch is one of the most abundant polysaccharides in nature and has a high potential for application in several fields, including effluent treatment as an adsorbent. Starch has a unique structure, with zones of different crystallinity and a glycosidic structure containing hydroxyl groups. This configuration allows a wide range of interactions with pollutants of different degrees of hydrophilicity, which includes from hydrogen bonding to hydrophobic interactions. This review article aims to survey the use of starch in the synthesis of diverse adsorbents, in forms from nanoparticles to blends, and evaluates their performance in terms of amount of pollutant adsorbed and removal efficiency. A critical analysis of the materials developed, and the results obtained is also presented. Finally, the review provides an outlook on how this polysaccharide can be used more effectively and efficiently in remediation efforts in the near future. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/11783-8 - Composite starch hydrogels for sorption of potentially toxic elements in contaminated water: synergistic interaction between selective ligands in modified nanocellulose
• Grantee: Talles Barcelos da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 22/11133-0 - Development of biodegradable porous starch hydrogels containing modified nanocellulose or nanoclays for the removal and recovery of metals in contaminated water
• Grantee: Talles Barcelos da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/13703-3 - Environmentally friendly porous materials for the recovery and revaluation of metals reclaimed from contaminated water
• Grantee: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants