FUNCTIONALIZATION OF POLYMERS FROM AGROINDUSTRIAL BY PRODUCTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Abstract

Introduction
The functionalization of polymers using agro-industrial by-products such as sugarcane bagasse, peanut shells, orange peels, coffee residues, oil palm residues, wheat straw, and rice straw has emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for the removal of contaminants from wastewater, including anionic and cationic dyes, heavy metals such as Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Cr(VI), as well as antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole (SMX).
Objective
To evaluate the effect of polymer functionalization using agro-industrial by-products for wastewater treatment applications.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted through a descriptive and analytical literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. A total of 34 scientific studies were selected to support the synthesis and analysis of the available evidence related to the study topic.
Results and Discussion
The analyzed studies demonstrated that polymer functionalization is an effective strategy for wastewater treatment. Sulfonated sugarcane bagasse achieved adsorption capacities ranging from 127 to 166 mg/g for cationic dyes. Peanut shell-derived biochar combined with a hydrogel exhibited an adsorption capacity of 164.83 mg/g for Cd²⁺. Fe(III)-doped sugarcane bagasse removed up to 57 mg/g of Pb²⁺. OBC/TOCNF + PEI foam produced from bagasse and rice straw achieved cadmium removal efficiencies between 70% and 90%. Chitosan combined with orange peel and coffee-derived biochar adsorbed 14.73 mg/g of the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX). Furthermore, chitosan functionalized with sugarcane bagasse biochar (SCNC) reached a removal efficiency of 98% for anionic dyes