Abstract
This study was conducted to explore the potential of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) from used disposable diapers as soil moisture retainer. Swelling behavior of the proposed hydrogel in response to external stimuli such as salt solutions, temperature and pH was studied. In addition, laboratory experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of incorporation hydrogel on germination of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and pumpkin (C. pepo) seeds. The structure of the used superabsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicate that the proposed SAP exhibited a maximum swelling capacity of 189 g-g-1 of dry gel. It was observed that the swelling capacity decreased with an increase in the ionic strength of the swelling medium. When this SAP was mixed with sandy soil, the mixture was able to lose water more slowly. The seeds germination and seedling growth was remarkably influenced by the application of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 w/w% of SAP compared to the untreated soil. Therefore, it follows that it is possible to take advantage of SAPs property from used disposable diapers to retain the moisture in soil as an alternative to value the use of such waste, showing that it has potential for agricultural applications.
Highlights
One of the most alarming problems in the world today is waste management
The ionic strength is smaller than that in basic media, so provides higher swelling capacity (Gawande and Mungray, 2015). This is because the superabsorbent is anionic-type superabsorbent polymer, which contain a majority of hydrophilic groups, and which play an important role in swelling behavior and result in water absorbency changes through different interaction species in various pH solution
It is important to indicate that the hydrogel can promote high swelling capacity at pH < 10, which is caused by the buffer action of –COOH and –COO– groups and this is a great advantage for the application of superabsorbent in agricultural fields
Summary
One of the most alarming problems in the world today is waste management. The generation and disposal of waste is an intrinsic part of any developing society. A major problem in urban areas is the generation of solid waste including used disposable diapers. These items facilitate human life, but their life span is very short and the manufacturers do not anticipate its disposal; they are deposited in landfills, causing serious environmental pollution problems (Cordella et al, 2015). SEMARNAT (2012a) reported that the total waste generation in Mexico increased from 31.4 million tons in 2001 to 42.1 million tons in 2012, a 25.4% increase in 11 years at a growth rate of 2.3% It is estimated that 90–95% of diapers used in developed countries are disposable (Kosemund et al, 2009). SEMARNAT (2012a) reported that the total waste generation in Mexico increased from 31.4 million tons in 2001 to 42.1 million tons in 2012, a 25.4% increase in 11 years at a growth rate of 2.3%
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