Polysaccharides as eco-friendly bio-adsorbents for wastewater remediation: Current state and future perspective

The increasing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements have led to the development of eco-friendly bio-adsorbents for wastewater remediation. Natural biopolymers have drawn significant attention in this field due to their renewable and biodegradable nature. Among the various natural biopolymers, polysaccharides such as alginate, cellulose, starch, chitosan, and natural gums have attracted significant attention due to their availability and low cost. The main objective of this review is to provide a detailed account of bio-adsorbents derived from polysaccharides, covering their practical application and effectiveness in removing a broad range of pollutants from aqueous media. Each polysaccharide is comprehensively discussed based on the type of pollutants it can remove. Specifically, research papers from 2021 and onwards have been reviewed to present the latest progress in this field. Additionally, the synthesis, adsorption mechanism, and recyclability of each polysaccharide are briefly discussed. Finally, insights into future directions and perspectives for the development of polysaccharide-based adsorbents for wastewater remediation are provided. Overall, this review emphasizes the potential of natural biopolymers, particularly polysaccharides, as eco-friendly and cost-effective bio-adsorbents for wastewater treatment. Moreover, it provides valuable insights into potential avenues for future investigations within this domain, thereby offering significant benefits to both novice and seasoned researchers engaged in the study of wastewater remediation.