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Polymers for Wastewater and Soil Treatment

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 30232

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Dr. Magdalena Czemierska

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Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
Interests: biopolymers; polysaccharides; flocculation; colloids; adsorption; wastewater treatment; bioremediation; actinobacteria

Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Szcześ

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Guest Editor

Department of Interfacial Phenomena, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
Interests: colloid and interface science; adsorption; biopolymers; wastewater treatment; nanomaterials; biomaterials; drug delivery systems
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Polymers aims to collect and summarize the current studies on polymer applications in water and soil treatment. Pollutants such as heavy metals, drugs, and dyes have become a major problem which can greatly affect public health. Therefore, effective ways to prevent and eliminate contamination are urgently needed. Years of studies have provided us with physical, biological, and chemical methods of purification, but these are not always safe for biotopes. The application of polymers does not cause further damage to the environment and can be effective against contaminations which are especially difficult to remove. Moreover, the unique properties of polymers and their adequate exploitations may be modern, economic, and sustainable solutions for water and soil purification. Therefore, we look forward to receiving your contribution and enriching this Special Issue with creative studies.

Dr. Magdalena Czemierska
Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Szcześ
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.

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Keywords

polymers
soil pollution
wastewater
environment
microorganisms
heavy metals
flocculation
sorption
bioremediation
biodegradation

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 2472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Magnetic Field Effect on Coagulation Treatment of Wastewater Using Magnetite Rice Starch and Aluminium Sulfate

by Nomthandazo Precious Sibiya, Gloria Amo-Duodu, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh and Sudesh Rathilal

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010010 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2230

Abstract

The use of synthetic coagulants to reduce suspended particles from drinkable water and wastewater is prompting new issues because it poses many health and environmental risks. Hence, improving the coagulation process using sophisticated nanotechnology with a magnetic field (MF) for quick recoverability emerges as being useful. In this study, the effects of magnetite rice starch (MS) and aluminum sulfate (alum) were investigated at a constant dose (3 g or 3000 mg/L) using a Jar test (six beakers) as potential low-cost coagulants for industrial wastewater treatment. At a high magnification of 1000× and a surface pore size of 298 µm, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) analyses were utilized to elucidate the morphology of the coagulants. Coagulation was performed at 150 rpm (quick mixing) for 2 min, and 30 rpm (slow mixing) for 15 min. Thereafter, samples were allowed to settle (10–60 min) with and without MF. The findings showed more than 65% contaminants removal (turbidity and TSS) and 30% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal using alum while MS showed 80% contaminants removal (turbidity and TSS) and 50% COD removal. MS showed an increase of more than 3% in contaminants removal (COD, turbidity, and TSS) when exposed to MF. As a result, the use of MS together with MF in water and wastewater treatment is anticipated as an environmentally benign and effective coagulant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Wastewater and Soil Treatment)

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13 pages, 4458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-Culture of Halotolerant Bacteria to Produce Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Using Sewage Wastewater Substrate

by Naima Khan, Iftikhar Ali, Sumaira Mazhar, Sajida Munir, Rida Batool and Nazia Jamil

Polymers 2022, 14(22), 4963; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14224963 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1681

Abstract

The focus of the current study was the use of sewage wastewater to obtain PHA from a co-culture to produce a sustainable polymer. Two halotolerant bacteria, Bacillus halotolerans 14SM (MZ801771) and Bacillus aryabhattai WK31 (MT453992), were grown in a consortium to produce PHA. Sewage wastewater (SWW) was used to produce PHA, and glucose was used as a reference substrate to compare the growth and PHA production parameters. Both bacterial strains produced PHA in monoculture, but a copolymer was obtained when the co-cultures were used. The co-culture accumulated a maximum of 54% after 24 h of incubation in 10% SWW. The intracellular granules indicated the presence of nucleation sites for granule initiation. The average granule size was recorded to be 231 nm; micrographs also indicated the presence of extracellular polymers and granule-associated proteins. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the polymer produced by the consortium showed a significant peak at 1731 cm⁻¹, representing the C=O group. FTIR also presented peaks in the region of 2800 cm⁻¹ to 2900 cm⁻¹, indicating C-C stretching. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹HNMR) of the pure polymer indicated chemical shifts resulting from the proton of hydroxy valerate and hydroxybutyrate, confirming the production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxy valerate) (P3HBV). A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that the copolymer was biocompatible, even at a high concentration of 5000 µg mL⁻¹. The results of this study show that bacterial strains WK31 and 14SM can be used to synthesize a copolymer of butyrate and valerate using the volatile fatty acids present in the SWW, such as propionic acid or pentanoic acid. P3HBV can also be used to provide an extracellular matrix for cell-line growth without causing any cytotoxic effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Wastewater and Soil Treatment)

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21 pages, 5250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a Superabsorbent Polymer (Poly-Gamma-Glutamic Acid) on Water and Salt Transport in Saline Soils under the Influence of Multiple Factors

by Yuliang Fu, Shunsheng Wang, Shikai Gao, Songlin Wang, Zhikai Gao and Zhenjia He

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4056; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14194056 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2050

Abstract

In order to effectively suppress the negative effects of salt ions contained in saline soils on agricultural soil quality and crop growth, this study took advantage of the water-saving properties and better soil improvement properties of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA). By carrying out various experiments, the following relationships have been found. (1) The lab experiment studies the effect of the γ-PGA application on the infiltration of sandy loam soil. The application rates of γ-PGA are 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%, respectively. (2) HYDRUS-1D is used to simulate water infiltration of sandy loam soil under multiple factors (bulk density, γ-PGA application rate, and the application depth of γ-PGA). (3) The effect of γ-PGA on soil solute (Cl⁻) transport is also explored in this paper. The results show that bulk density and the application depth of γ-PGA (p < 0.01) have higher effects on cumulative infiltration than the application amount of γ-PGA (p < 0.05). A lower γ-PGA application rate will increase the proportion of unavailable soil water by 3%. The established empirical models have good results. Furthermore, when the γ-PGA application rate is 0.3% (0.02-cm² min⁻¹), the Cl⁻ hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient is the highest. The study recommends applying the γ-PGA at 1.4 g cm⁻³, 5–20 cm, and 0.2%. The results of this study are conducive to an in-depth understanding of the physicochemical properties of poly-γ-glutamic acid, improving the utilization rate of salinized land, achieving agricultural water and fertilizer conservation and yield enhancement, and guaranteeing sustainable land use and sustainable development of agroecological environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Wastewater and Soil Treatment)

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11 pages, 2769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Dynamics Study on the Adsorption and Modification Mechanism of Polymeric Sand-Fixing Agent

by Wei Huang, Xueyu Geng, Jing Li, Cuiying Zhou and Zhen Liu

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3365; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163365 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2306

Abstract

Chemical sand-fixing technology has shown good potential in preventing desertification, but the effect is determined by materials. In this paper, the adsorption behavior of quartz and six common polymer sand-fixing agents under dry conditions was studied by molecular dynamics method. The results show that all polymers could be adsorbed on the surface of quartz and their functional groups play an important role in the adsorption process. Compared with other materials, the binding energy and the number of hydrogen bonds of PAA-quartz composites were improved by 30.7–65.6% and 8.3–333.3%, respectively. It was found that the number of hydrogen bonds formed under the unit molecular was positively correlated with the mechanical properties of the improved sandy soil. This study provides an accurate, efficient and inexpensive qualitative evaluation method for the curing effect of sand fixers, which will assist in the screening and development of new high performance sand fixers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Wastewater and Soil Treatment)

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15 pages, 3767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Magnetic Polymeric Filters with Laccase-Based Nanoparticles for Improving Congo Red Decolorization in Bioreactors

by Diana C. Sotelo, Nancy Ornelas-Soto and Johann F. Osma

Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2328; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122328 - 8 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2740

Abstract

In this work, five different magnetic biofilters, containing magnetic nanoparticles (142 nm), immobilized laccase on nanoparticles (190 nm) and permanent magnetic elements, such as neodymium magnets and metallic meshes, were designed, manufactured and tested. The five types of filters were compared by measuring the decolorization of Congo Red dye inside bioreactors, the half-life of the filters and the amount of magnetic nanoparticle and enzyme lost during multiple cycles of operation. Filters containing laccase immobilized on magnetite (Laccase-magnetite), permanent magnets and metallic mesh presented the highest Congo Red decolorization (27%) and the largest half-life among all types of filters (seven cycles). The overall dye decolorization efficiencies were 5%, 13%, 17%, 23%, and 27% for the paper filter, paper filter with magnetite, paper filter with Laccase-magnetite, paper filter with Laccase-magnetite with magnets and paper filter with Laccase-magnetite with magnets and metallic mesh, respectively. Although the highest losses of magnetite occurred when using the filters containing magnets (57 mg), the use of permanent magnetic elements in the filters increased the half-life of the filter three-fold compared to the filters without enzymatic properties and two-fold compared to the filters with Laccase-magnetite. Results indicate that the novel use of permanent magnetic elements improved the nanoparticle retention in the filters and promoted the mass transfer between the dye and the biocatalyst to enhance wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Wastewater and Soil Treatment)

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18 pages, 3701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cotton Cord Coated with Cyclodextrin Polymers for Paraquat Removal from Water

by Ekkachai Martwong, Nathapong Sukhawipat and Jatupol Junthip

Polymers 2022, 14(11), 2199; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14112199 - 28 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2358

Abstract

The contamination of hazardous agrochemical substances in water caused essential trouble for humans and the environment. The functional textile was used as an effective adsorbent for paraquat removal from an aqueous solution. The coating of anionic cyclodextrin polymer, issued from the cross-linking between 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid and β−cyclodextrin in the presence of poly (vinyl alcohol), on the cotton cord, was firstly investigated. Their physicochemical characteristics were also characterized by gravimetry, acid–base titration, ATR-FTIR, ¹³C NMR, TGA, and stereo-microscopy. The BDP5 system revealed 107.3% coating yield, 1.13 mmol/g COOH groups, and 95.1% paraquat removal for 25 mg/L of initial concentration. The pseudo-second-order model was appropriate for kinetics using 6 h of contact time. Langmuir isotherm was suitable with the maximum adsorption of 30.3 mg/g for paraquat adsorption. The weight loss was 10.7% and 7.8%, respectively, for water and 5% v/v of HCI in ethanol after 120 h of contact time. Finally, the reusability efficiency stayed at 88.9% after five regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Wastewater and Soil Treatment)

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20 pages, 3888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Activated Carbon@Polyindole Composite for the Effective Removal of Ionic Dye from Water

by Bushra Begum, Saba Ijaz, Rozina Khattak, Raina Aman Qazi, Muhammad Sufaid Khan and Khaled H. Mahmoud

Polymers 2022, 14(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14010003 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3484

Abstract

The present study is aimed at the synthesis and exploring the efficiency of a novel activated carbon incorporated polyindole (AC@PIN) composite for adsorptive removal of Malachite Green (MG) dye from aqueous solution. An AC@PIN hybrid material was prepared by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The physico-chemical characteristics of the AC@PIN composite were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, and determination of point of zero charge (pH_PZC). A series of adsorption studies was conducted to evaluate the influence of operational parameters such as pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, AC@PIN dosage, and temperature on dye adsorption behavior of developed composite. A maximum dye removal percentage (97.3%) was achieved at the pH = 10, AC@PIN dosage = 6.0 mg, initial dye concentration 150 mg L⁻¹, and temperature = 20 °C. The kinetic studies demonstrated that the adsorption of MG on AC@PIN followed pseudo-second-order model (R² ≥ 0.99). Meanwhile, Langmuir isotherm model was founded to be the best isotherm model to describe the adsorption process. Finally, the recyclability test revealed that the composite exhibits good recycle efficiency and is stable after 5 cycles. The obtained results suggest that AC@PIN composite could be a potential candidate for the removal of MG from wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Wastewater and Soil Treatment)

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19 pages, 753 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prospects of Biogenic Xanthan and Gellan in Removal of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Waters

by Katarína Balíková, Bence Farkas, Peter Matúš and Martin Urík

Polymers 2022, 14(23), 5326; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14235326 - 6 Dec 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2297

Abstract

Biosorption is considered an effective technique for the treatment of heavy-metal-bearing wastewaters. In recent years, various biogenic products, including native and functionalized biopolymers, have been successfully employed in technologies aiming for the environmentally sustainable immobilization and removal of heavy metals at contaminated sites, including two commercially available heteropolysaccharides—xanthan and gellan. As biodegradable and non-toxic fermentation products, xanthan and gellan have been successfully tested in various remediation techniques. Here, to highlight their prospects as green adsorbents for water decontamination, we have reviewed their biosynthesis machinery and chemical properties that are linked to their sorptive interactions, as well as their actual performance in the remediation of heavy metal contaminated waters. Their sorptive performance in native and modified forms is promising; thus, both xanthan and gellan are emerging as new green-based materials for the cost-effective and efficient remediation of heavy metal-contaminated waters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Wastewater and Soil Treatment)

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13 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Exopolysaccharides of Pseudomonas in Heavy Metal Removal and Other Remediation Strategies

by Katarína Balíková, Hana Vojtková, Eva Duborská, Hyunjung Kim, Peter Matúš and Martin Urík

Polymers 2022, 14(20), 4253; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204253 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2757

Abstract

Pseudomonas biofilms have been studied intensively for several decades and research outcomes have been successfully implemented in various medical and agricultural applications. Research on biofilm synthesis and composition has also overlapped with the objectives of environmental sciences, since biofilm components show exceptional physicochemical properties applicable to remediation techniques. Especially, exopolysaccharides (ExPs) have been at the center of scientific interest, indicating their potential in solving the environmental issues of heavy metal land and water contamination via sorptive interactions and flocculation. Since exposure to heavy metal via contaminated water or soil poses an imminent risk to the environment and human health, ExPs provide an interesting and viable solution to this issue, alongside other effective and green remedial techniques (e.g., phytostabilization, implementation of biosolids, and biosorption using agricultural wastes) aiming to restore contaminated sites to their natural, pollution-free state, or to ameliorate the negative impact of heavy metals on the environment. Thus, we discuss the plausible role and performance of Pseudomonas ExPs in remediation techniques, aiming to provide the relevant available and comprehensive information on ExPs’ biosynthesis and their usage in heavy metal remediation or other environmental applications, such as wastewater treatment via bioflocculation and soil remediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Wastewater and Soil Treatment)

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17 pages, 1562 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanomaterials for the Treatment of Heavy Metal Contaminated Water

by Rabia Baby, Mohd Zobir Hussein, Abdul Halim Abdullah and Zulkarnain Zainal

Polymers 2022, 14(3), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030583 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 6898

Abstract

Nanotechnology finds its application almost in every field of science and technology. At the same time, it also helps to find the solution to various environment-related problems, especially water contamination. Nanomaterials have many advantages over conventional materials, such as high surface area, both polar and non-polar chemistries, controlled and size-tunable, easier biodegradation, which made them ideal candidates for water and environmental remediation as well. Herein, applications of non-carbon nanomaterials, such as layered double hydroxides, iron oxide magnetite nanoparticles, nano-polymer composites, metal oxide nanomaterials and nanomembranes/fibers in heavy metal contaminated water and environmental remediation are reviewed. These non-carbon nanomaterials, due to their tunable unique chemistry and small size have greater potentials for water and environmental remediation applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Wastewater and Soil Treatment)

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