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Polymers
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Advanced Polymers for Wastewater Treatment and Toxicant Removal
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Advanced Polymers for Wastewater Treatment and Toxicant Removal

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2024 | Viewed by 8642

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Seyed Borhan Mousavi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
J. Mike Walker ’66 Mechanical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
Interests: water treatment; polymer materials; environmental sciences
Dr. Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electric Power Division, Photometry Laboratory, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Heroon Polytechniou Street, 15780 Athens, Greece
Interests: environmental and renewable energy law; economic development; environmental impact analysis; climate change; atmospheric pollution; water pollution regulations; environmental management standards; technology transfer; sustainability; higher education policy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A considerable amount of freshwater is polluted by wastewater streaming into natural water bodies. Diverse types of contaminants could adversely affect the quality of water/wastewater, namely aromatic compounds, heavy metals, pharmaceutical micropollutants, organic cationic dyes, etc. To overcome the negative consequences of this, many remediation techniques have been employed, such as chemical, physical, and biological treatments. Polymer composites and MOFs have shown attractive capabilities for treating wastewater. 

This Special Issue on “Advanced Polymers for Wastewater Treatment and Toxicant Removal” aims to focus on but is not limited to the effect of polymer-based materials, synthesis methods, and characterizations in removing toxic contaminants from waster. 

Scientists are welcome to submit their works covering the subject. 

Dr. Seyed Borhan Mousavi
Dr. Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 6216 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Dye Adsorption Dynamics of Chitosan–Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) Composite
by Hilda Dinah Kyomuhimbo, Wandile McHunu, Marco Arnold, Usisipho Feleni, Nils H. Haneklaus and Hendrik Gideon Brink
Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2555; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182555 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 735
Abstract
One major environmental issue responsible for water pollution is the presence of dyes in the aquatic environment as a result of human activity, particularly the textile industry. Chitosan–Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) polymer composite beads were synthesized and explored for the adsorption of dyes (Bismarck brown [...] Read more.
One major environmental issue responsible for water pollution is the presence of dyes in the aquatic environment as a result of human activity, particularly the textile industry. Chitosan–Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) polymer composite beads were synthesized and explored for the adsorption of dyes (Bismarck brown (BB), orange G (OG), brilliant blue G (BBG), and indigo carmine (IC)) from dye solution. The CS-PVPP beads demonstrated high removal efficiency of BB (87%), OG (58%), BBG (42%), and IC (49%). The beads demonstrated a reasonable surface area of 2.203 m2/g and were negatively charged in the applicable operating pH ranges. TGA analysis showed that the polymer composite can withstand decomposition up to 400 °C, proving high stability in harsh conditions. FTIR analysis highlighted the presence of N-H amine, O-H alcohol, and S=O sulfo groups responsible for electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding with the dye molecules. A shift in the FTIR bands was observed on N-H and C-N stretching for the beads after dye adsorption, implying that adsorption was facilitated by hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals forces of attraction between the hydroxyl, amine, and carbonyl groups on the surface of the beads and the dye molecules. An increase in pH increased the adsorption capacity of the beads for BB while decreasing OG, BBG, and IC due to their cationic and anionic nature, respectively. While an increase in temperature did not affect the adsorption capacity of OG and BBG, it significantly improved the removal of BB and IC from the dye solution and the adsorption was thermodynamically favoured, as demonstrated by the negative Gibbs free energy at all temperatures. Adsorption of dye mixtures followed the characteristic adsorption nature of the individual dyes. The beads show great potential for applications in the treatment of dye wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Wastewater Treatment and Toxicant Removal)
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13 pages, 5219 KiB  
Article
Adsorbent-Embedded Polymeric Membranes for Efficient Dye-Water Treatment
by Junaid Saleem, Zubair Khalid Baig Moghal, Snigdhendubala Pradhan, Ahsan Hafeez, Mohammad Shoaib, Johaina Alahmad and Gordon McKay
Polymers 2024, 16(11), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111459 - 22 May 2024
Viewed by 797
Abstract
Traditional bulk adsorbents, employed for the removal of dyes and metal ions, often face the drawback of requiring an additional filtration system to separate the filtrate from the adsorbent. In this study, we address this limitation by embedding the adsorbent into the polymer [...] Read more.
Traditional bulk adsorbents, employed for the removal of dyes and metal ions, often face the drawback of requiring an additional filtration system to separate the filtrate from the adsorbent. In this study, we address this limitation by embedding the adsorbent into the polymer matrix through a process involving dissolution–dispersion, spin-casting, and heat-stretching. Selective dissolution and dispersion facilitate the integration of the adsorbent into the polymer matrix. Meanwhile, spin-casting ensures the formation of a uniform and thin film structure, whereas heat-induced stretching produces a porous matrix with a reduced water contact angle. The adsorbent selectively captures dye molecules, while the porous structure contributes to water permeability. We utilized inexpensive and readily available materials, such as waste polyethylene and calcium carbonate, to fabricate membranes for the removal of methylene blue dye. The effects of various parameters, such as polymer-adsorbent ratio, initial dye concentration, and annealing temperature, were investigated. Equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms. The equilibrium data were best represented by the Langmuir isotherm, with maximum adsorption capacity of 35 mg/g and 43 mg/g at 25 °C and 45 °C, respectively. The membranes can be regenerated and recycled with a 97% dye removal efficiency. The study aims to present a template for adsorbent-embedded polymeric membranes for dye removal, in which adsorbent can be tailored to enhance adsorption capacity and efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Wastewater Treatment and Toxicant Removal)
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16 pages, 4113 KiB  
Article
NH2-MIL-125-Derived N-Doped TiO2@C Visible Light Catalyst for Wastewater Treatment
by Wenbin Wang, Wei Qiang, Chuntao Chen and Dongping Sun
Polymers 2024, 16(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020186 - 8 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1280
Abstract
The utilization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a photocatalyst for the treatment of wastewater has attracted significant attention in the environmental field. Herein, we prepared an NH2-MIL-125-derived N-doped TiO2@C Visible Light Catalyst through an in situ calcination [...] Read more.
The utilization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a photocatalyst for the treatment of wastewater has attracted significant attention in the environmental field. Herein, we prepared an NH2-MIL-125-derived N-doped TiO2@C Visible Light Catalyst through an in situ calcination method. The nitrogen element in the organic connector was released through calcination, simultaneously doping into the sample, thereby enhancing its spectral response to cover the visible region. The as-prepared N-doped TiO2@C catalyst exhibited a preserved cage structure even after calcination, thereby alleviating the optical shielding effect and further augmenting its photocatalytic performance by increasing the reaction sites between the catalyst and pollutants. The calcination time of the N-doped TiO2@C-450 °C catalyst was optimized to achieve a balance between the TiO2 content and nitrogen doping level, ensuring efficient degradation rates for basic fuchsin (99.7%), Rhodamine B (89.9%) and tetracycline hydrochloride (93%) within 90 min. Thus, this study presents a feasible strategy for the efficient degradation of pollutants under visible light. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Wastewater Treatment and Toxicant Removal)
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13 pages, 1687 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as Selective Solid-Phase Extraction Sorbents for the Detection of Cloxacillin in Drinking and River Water
by Rosa Mª Garcinuño, Eduardo José Collado, Gema Paniagua, Juan Carlos Bravo and Pilar Fernández Hernando
Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4314; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214314 - 3 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1229
Abstract
This paper describes a new methodology for carrying out quantitative extraction of cloxacillin from drinking and river water samples using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as a selective sorbent for solid-phase extraction (MISPE). Several polymers were synthesized via thermal polymerization using cloxacillin as [...] Read more.
This paper describes a new methodology for carrying out quantitative extraction of cloxacillin from drinking and river water samples using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as a selective sorbent for solid-phase extraction (MISPE). Several polymers were synthesized via thermal polymerization using cloxacillin as a template, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linker and different solvents as porogens. Binding characteristics of the adequate molecularly imprinted and non-imprinted (NIP) polymers were evaluated via batch adsorption assays following the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and Scatchard assays. The parameters related to the extraction approach were studied to select the most appropriate polymer for cloxacillin determination. Using the optimized MIP as the SPE sorbent, a simple sample treatment methodology was combined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to analyze cloxacillin residues in drinking and river water. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the MISPE methodology was validated using spiked samples. The linearity for cloxacillin was assessed within the limits of 0.05–1.5 µg L−1 and the recovery percentage was higher than 98% (RSD < 4%). The limits of detection and limits of quantification were 0.29 and 0.37 µg L−1 and 0.8 and 0.98 µg L−1 for drinking and river water, respectively. The selectivity of MIP against other ß-lactam antibiotics with similar structures (oxacillin, cefazoline, amoxicillin and penicillin V) was studied, obtaining a good recovery higher than 85% for all except cefazoline. The proposed MISPE-HPLC methodology was successfully applied for the detection of cloxacillin in drinking water from Canal de Isabel II (Madrid) and river water from the Manzanares River (Madrid). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Wastewater Treatment and Toxicant Removal)
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27 pages, 1779 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Release Rate of Biocide and Corrosion Resistance of Vinyl-, Acrylic-, and Epoxy-Based Antifouling Paints on Steel in Marine Infrastructures
by Adel Jalaie, Abdolah Afshaar, Seyed Borhan Mousavi and Mohammad Heidari
Polymers 2023, 15(19), 3948; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15193948 - 29 Sep 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2056
Abstract
This study comprehensively assesses the release rate of biocides, corrosion effects related to antifouling, and the physical properties of different paint types. Tests were conducted to measure thickness, viscosity, hardness, bending, adhesion, gloss, impact resistance, abrasion resistance, scratch resistance, polarization, and salt spray. [...] Read more.
This study comprehensively assesses the release rate of biocides, corrosion effects related to antifouling, and the physical properties of different paint types. Tests were conducted to measure thickness, viscosity, hardness, bending, adhesion, gloss, impact resistance, abrasion resistance, scratch resistance, polarization, and salt spray. The paints evaluated include resin-based, acrylic-based, epoxy-based, and vinyl-based formulations. The study investigates the influence of biocide content, biocide particle size, and immersion time on release rate using a lab-scale setup. Results showed that acrylic-based paints had a higher biocide release rate due to faster hydrolysis, while smaller biocide particle sizes led to higher release rates in resin-based paints. Optimal total biocide contents were determined to be 30% for acrylic-based, 60% for epoxy-based, and 50% for vinyl-based paints. Antifouling corrosion analysis demonstrated that sample with an optimal release rate effectively prevent algae growth and fouling. Acrylic-based paint with 30 wt.% biocide content exhibited superior adhesion with a dolly separation force of 4.12 MPa. Evaluating the impact of synthesized polyaniline on 30 wt.% epoxy-based paint, a sample coated with 10 wt.% polyaniline represented a low corrosion rate of 0.35 µm/year and a high impedance value of approximately 37,000 Ohm·cm−2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Wastewater Treatment and Toxicant Removal)
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21 pages, 7616 KiB  
Article
Highly Stable, Mechanically Enhanced, and Easy-to-Collect Sodium Alginate/NZVI-rGO Gel Beads for Efficient Removal of Cr(VI)
by Qi Jing, Yuheng Ma, Jingwen He and Zhongyu Ren
Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3764; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183764 - 14 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1369
Abstract
Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) is a material that is extensively applied for water pollution treatment, but its poor dispersibility, easy oxidation, and inconvenient collection limit its application. To overcome these drawbacks and limit secondary contamination of nanomaterials, we confine NZVI supported by reduced [...] Read more.
Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) is a material that is extensively applied for water pollution treatment, but its poor dispersibility, easy oxidation, and inconvenient collection limit its application. To overcome these drawbacks and limit secondary contamination of nanomaterials, we confine NZVI supported by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in the scaffold of sodium alginate (SA) gel beads (SA/NZVI-rGO). Scanning electron microscopy showed that the NZVI was uniformly dispersed in the gel beads. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the hydrogen bonding and conjugation between SA and rGO allowed the NZVI-rGO to be successfully embedded in SA. Furthermore, the mechanical strength, swelling resistance, and Cr(VI) removal capacity of SA/NZVI-rGO were enhanced by optimizing the ratio of NZVI and rGO. Interestingly, cation exchange may drive Cr(VI) removal above 82% over a wide pH range. In the complex environment of actual Cr(VI) wastewater, Cr(VI) removal efficiency still reached 70.25%. Pseudo-first-order kinetics and Langmuir adsorption isotherm are preferred to explain the removal process. The mechanism of Cr(VI) removal by SA/NZVI-rGO is dominated by reduction and adsorption. The sustainable removal of Cr(VI) by packed columns could be well fitted by the Thomas, Adams–Bohart, and Yoon–Nelson models, and importantly, the gel beads maintained integrity during the prolonged removal. These results will contribute significant insights into the practical application of SA/NZVI-rGO beads for the Cr(VI) removal in aqueous environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymers for Wastewater Treatment and Toxicant Removal)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Application of Exopolysaccharides of Milk and Water Kefir Grains in the Removal of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Waters
Authors: Peter Matúš et al.
Affiliation: Institute of Laboratory Research on Geomaterials, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynska dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia

Title: Exploring the possibilities of using recovered collagen for contaminants removal. A sustainable approach for wastewater treatment.
Authors: Annette Madelene Dancila; Magdalena Bosomoiu
Affiliation: Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica of Bucharest-7 Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
Abstract: Collagen is a non-toxic polymer that is generated as residual product by several industries (e.g. leather manufacturing, meat and fish processing). It has been reported to be resistant to bacteria and have excellent retention capacity. However, the recovered collagen does not meet the requirements to be used for pharmaceutical and medical purposes. Due to the scarcity of water resources now affecting all continents, water pollution is a major concern. Another major field that could integrate the collagen generated as a by-product is wastewater treatment. Applications of collagen-based materials in wastewater treatment have been discussed in detail and comparations with already frequently used materials have been made. Over the last years collagen-based materials have been tested for removal of both organic (e.g. pharmaceutical substances, dyes), and inorganic compounds (e.g. heavy metals, noble metals, uranium). It has also been tested for the manufacture of oil-water separation materials, therefore it could be used for the separation of emulsified oily wastewater. Because they have been tested for a wide range of substances, collagen-based materials could be good candidates for removing contaminants from wastewater streams that have seasonal variations in composition and concentration. The use of recovered collagen in wastewater treatment makes the method eco-friendly and cost efficient. This paper also discusses some of the challenges related to wastewater treatment: material stability, reuse and disposal.

Title: Comparative Study of the Adsorptive Removal of Basic Dye Crystal Violet by Polypyrrole-Carbon Black and Polyaniline-Carbon Black Nanocomposites
Authors: Mamoon Rashid; Mohammad Ilyas Khan; Ihab Shigidi
Affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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