Biopolymeric magnetic composites for environmental remediation of aqueous effluents

Abstract

The development of an efficient, clean and low cost technology to the remediation of environmental problems is a great challenge of several scientists nowadays. In this context hybrid materials composed of one polymeric and another magnetic phase have currently gained significant attention due to their ability for removal a wide gamma of contaminants by magnetic separation. The present chapter provides a summary of current research activities on the synthesis of different kinds of magnetic-polymeric materials and their application. In particular, it focuses on their potential employment in environmental remediation, as adsorbents of heavy metals, nutrients (PO43- and NO3-),dyes and hydrocarbons. An overview of the preparation methods of ferrogels, magnetic composites and nano/microparticles is also presented. Inorganic oxides such as pure and metal substituted iron oxides and biodegradable polymers (chitosan, gelatine, cellulose, gum Arabic and dextran) have been considered in this overview. Most important methods of synthesis of each material have been analysed aiming to find a correlation between the method and the final properties of the magnetic device. Besides, a systematic study about the properties of these materials and the kind of environmental problem to be solved has also been performed based on available literature and the authors? own experience.