Advances in Polysaccharide-Based Aerogels for Water Treatment: A Metadata-Analysis of Adsorption Performance

Abstract

Environmental pollution, particularly from heavy metals, poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. Industrial and agricultural activities contribute to water contamination, necessitating innovative and sustainable remediation strategies. Biomass-derived materials offer a promising approach for pollutant removal, aligning with circular bioeconomy principles. Among these, polysaccharide-based aerogels have gained attention due to their high porosity, large surface area, and functional versatility. These bio-based materials, particularly yeast and chitosan-derived aerogels, exhibit excellent adsorption capacity for heavy metal ions and dyes, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional wastewater treatment methods. This review explores the sources and impacts of heavy metal pollution, evaluates existing wastewater treatment technologies, and highlights the role of polysaccharide-based aerogels as efficient adsorbents. By leveraging the unique properties of these materials, such as biodegradability, renewability, and surface functionalization, aerogels can serve as a viable solution for heavy metal remediation. Future research should focus on optimizing aerogel formulations, improving recyclability, and scaling up production for practical applications in wastewater treatment.