Introducing Semi-Interpenetrating Networks of Chitosan and Ammonium-Quaternary Polymers for the Effective Removal of Waterborne Pathogens from Wastewaters

Abstract

The present work aims to study the influence of ammonium-quaternary monomers and chitosan, obtained from different sources, upon the effect of semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels upon the removal of waterborne pathogens and bacteria from wastewater. To this end, the study was focused on using vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride (VBTAC), a water-soluble monomer with known antibacterial properties, and mineral-enriched chitosan extracted from shrimp shells, to prepare the semi-IPNs. By using chitosan, which still contains the native minerals (mainly calcium carbonate), the study intends to justify that the stability and efficiency of the semi-IPN bactericidal devices can be modified and better improved. The new semi-IPNs were characterized for composition, thermal stability and morphology using well-known methods. Swelling degree (SD%) and the bactericidal effect assessed using molecular methods revealed that hydrogels made of chitosan derived from shrimp shell demonstrated the most competitive and promising potential for wastewater (WW) treatment.

Hybrid Cryogels with Superabsorbent Properties as Promising Materials for Penicillin G Retention

“…Yet, the results are somehow explainable because physical chitosan gels are known to present lower mechanical properties vs. chemical gels [ 60 ]. Nevertheless, the SD s reported in this present study were comparable with those presented by Neblea et al [ 59 ], with the difference that high SD s values were achieved herein in a very short time, 1–2 h of swelling, which may be due to the fact that they were not chemically crosslinked.…”

“…The variation in SD s in time for the cryogel samples, shown in Figure 6 (and summarized in Table S3, Supplementary Materials ) has indicated that, after 1–2 h at pH 5.5 (the pH of distilled water), cryogels begin to fragment requiring timely monitoring of the swelling process. Following this study, it was found that the stability in time underwater for the three series of cryogels is rather low compared to other superabsorbent chemically crosslinked gels prepared with the same chitosan types [ 59 ], in which study, stability at 24 h was reported. The highest stability in water was achieved in this study by the CC-based hybrid cryogels (up to 2 h), followed by the series with CSH (up to 1 h), and, finally, the CCH-based cryogels started to fragment after only 45 min.…”

Unveiling the Efficiency of Biodegradable Chitosan-Based Hydrogel Composites for Wastewater Treatment

“…The need for comprehensive solutions to address this pressing environmental concern is evident, as it underscores the urgent necessity for effective WW management strategies within the industrial sector [2]. Hence, various methods have been employed to eliminate these types of contaminants, and, nevertheless, absorption has been recognized as one of the most efficient techniques due to its simplicity of operation and exceptional effectiveness [3]. As previous studies suggest [4], interpenetrated chitosan-based hydrogels (IPNs) have been used as potential WW treatments, thanks to their customizable attributes and remarkable absorption capabilities.…”