Low-cost sorbents and recycled materials for water contaminant removal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59741/agraria.v23i2.737Keywords:
Adsorption, wastewater treatment, Recycled polymers , Circular economyAbstract
Water pollution and the growing scarcity of potable water demand efficient and accessible treatment technologies. Although sorption is an effective approach, the high cost of commercial materials limits its large-scale application, particularly in developing countries. In this context, this work explores the valorization of agro-industrial and polymeric wastes as low-cost sorbents. The fundamental aspects of the process are reviewed including physisorption and chemisorption mechanisms, as well as kinetic and isotherm models and it is highlighted that, through chemical and thermal modifications, these residual materials can achieve competitive capacities, in some cases exceeding 400 mg/g for contaminants such as metals and dyes. From a circular economy perspective, this strategy is promising; however, key challenges remain regarding scale-up, material regeneration, and validation under real-world conditions.
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