Polymeric materials for metal sorption from hydric resources

Abstract

Pure water is crucial for global population. However, a wide range of industrial activities contribute to its pollution. Among the pollutants, heavy metals are of high concern. Thus, it is crucial remove these pollutants from water for the population consumption. Several physical and chemical methods, such as chemical precipitation, filtration, coagulation, membrane processes, ion exchange, and adsorption are already being employed in the removal of metal ions from water.

This chapter will focus on the adsorption process, which is a highly efficient method that provides flexibility in the design and is easy to operate. Polymeric adsorbents emerged as potential alternatives to activated carbon, the most-used adsorbent. Special emphasis will be given to polymeric materials that are being reported as adsorbents of metal ion, with high emphasis to those derived from natural wastes.