Eco-friendly biopolymers and composites: a sustainable development of adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from wastewater

Abstract Growing wastewater treatment demands drive reliance on polymeric materials to facilitate the process, and traditional fossil-based polymers face limitations, prompting the exploration of sustainable alternatives. Biopolymers derived from renewable sources (chitosan, keratin, and cellulose) offer advantages like biodegradability and enhanced adsorption. This review provides an overview of the potential biopolymer-based composites for removing various pollutants (pesticides, heavy metals, and dyes) and highlights the importance of reusing spent adsorbents for multiple applications.