Abstract
Modification of cellulosic-rich materials for the production of cellulose-based polyelectrolytes (PELs) can bring several benefits, such as high biodegradability and low or no toxicity, for numerous applications, when compared with the use of traditional, synthetic PELs. Moreover, cellulose-based PELs originating from wood wastes, contribute to the valorisation of such wastes. In this work, Eucalyptus pulps with diverse lignin contents, extracted from Eucalyptus wood wastes, were anionized by a two–step reaction procedure (periodate oxidation followed by sulfonation). Applying different reaction times (24–144 h) in the sulfonation step allowed for producing a range of cellulose-based anionic PELs with different characteristics. PELs obtained after 24 and 72 h of sulfonation were thoroughly characterized (Fourier transform infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, anionic group content (elemental analysis), zeta potential and hydrodynamic diameter (dynamic light scattering)) and subsequently evaluated as flocculants in decolouration processes of model effluents (Methylene Blue and Crystal Violet) and an industrial effluent from a textile industry. Furthermore, possible flocculation mechanisms induced by the use of the various PELs are discussed. Results are compared with those obtained with a commonly applied, synthetic flocculant (polyacrylamide). It is demonstrated that it was possible to obtain water-soluble lignocellulosic PELs starting from raw materials with different degrees of purity and that those PELs are promising eco-friendly alternative flocculation agents for the decolouration of effluents.
Highlights
IntroductionLess than 1% of earth water supply is available for human consumption [1]
Introduction in published maps and institutionalLess than 1% of earth water supply is available for human consumption [1]
If significant savings of potable water are to be achieved in the future, reuse of affiliations
Summary
Less than 1% of earth water supply is available for human consumption [1]. Population growth, industrialisation and/or urbanization has led to a decreasing availability of fresh, safe and clean water leading to water availability becoming a global issue. Developed countries are facing direct discharge of harmful, often toxic, industrial or domestic effluents into natural water reservoirs. Dye containing effluents are considered as one of the most harmful wastewater sources, coming from various industries such as textile, cosmetics, paper, leather, pharmaceuticals or food [2]. Contamination by coloured substances is widely spread, possessing high biochemical and chemical oxygen demand (COD), inadequate pH, turbidity, and toxic chemicals, making the direct effluent discharge to natural reservoirs without further treatment a global problem. If significant savings of potable water are to be achieved in the future, reuse of affiliations
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