Chitosan: From Organic Pollutants to High-Value Polymeric Materials

Abstract

Chitosan is obtained from chitin by partial or total deacetylation. Considering that those polysaccharides could be readily derivatized by using not only the reactivity of primary or secondary hydroxyl groups but also the reactivity of primary amino groups, chitosans are attractive raw materials for different applications, from pharmaceutical products to water treatment. Chosen properly, the modifying agent gives appropriate physicochemical properties to the final products for the above mentioned applications. This chapter briefly summarizes the state of the art of chitosan derivatives for different application, but focuses its use in the treatment of aqueous effluents.