Alginate-based Biocomposites for Environmental Remediation

The widely prevalent issue of environmental pollution has necessitated progress in remediation technologies. Several materials, both natural and synthetic, have been explored for development of effective techniques for removal of polluting substances from water. Among these, alginate-based materials are highly promising by virtue of their natural origin, ease of integration with other materials and biocompatibility. In this context, this chapter aims to consolidate the developments taking place in synthesis and applications of alginate-based biocomposites for sequestration of contaminants from water. Alginate can be combined with a diverse range of materials, such as activated carbon, biocarbon, metallic oxides, and nanomaterials. The synthesis typically involves ionic gelation, forming porous structures with high surface area and multiple active sites for pollutant binding through mechanisms such as electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and ion exchange. The examination of structure-property relationships reveals enhancement of sorption capacity, selectivity and integrity of these biocomposites. Their efficacy is investigated by a critical evaluation of their remediation performance for various pollutants such as metallic species, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and biological contaminants.