0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Remediation Sign in to save

Nanocellulose for Wastewater Treatment

IntechOpen eBooks 2025 2 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 58 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Madhu Sasikala, Kanchana Sivaprakash, Lavanya Mulky, Lavanya Mulky, V. Prabu

Summary

This review examines the potential of nanocellulose, a material derived from plant fibers, as an eco-friendly solution for removing contaminants from polluted water. Researchers found that nanocellulose's large surface area and ability to be chemically modified make it effective at capturing heavy metals, dyes, and other pollutants. The study suggests this renewable material could serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional water treatment methods.

Study Type Environmental

Water pollution poses a serious threat, adversely affecting ecosystems and human health. Addressing this issue is essential to preserve water quality and protect vital resources. Implementing effective solutions is key to safeguarding ecosystems, promoting public health, and ensuring sustainable access to clean water for both present and future generations. The growing global concern over the contamination of natural resources, particularly freshwater, has heightened the demand for effective water treatment methods. There is growing interest in using renewable and eco-friendly reactive materials to support environmental sustainability and combat harmful contaminants. Among the various options, nanocellulose stands out as a promising candidate for environmental remediation due to its remarkable physicochemical properties. This chapter explores the intrinsic characteristics and structural features of different types of nanocellulose, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNCs). It has been extensively studied as an excellent biomaterial for wastewater treatment due to its outstanding properties including antifouling behavior, thermal resistance, large specific surface area, superior mechanical strength, high aspect ratio, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Its extensive surface area is rich in free hydroxyl groups, which are easily modified and functionalized. This chapter also highlights recent advancements in nanocellulose applications, including heavy metal removal, oily water separation, and dye extraction, showcasing its potential as an effective adsorbent for improving filtration performance.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Potential of Nanocellulose for Microplastic removal: Perspective and challenges

Researchers reviewed how nanocellulose — tiny fibers derived from plant cell walls — can capture and remove microplastics from water through its large surface area and adaptable chemistry, positioning it as a promising, naturally biodegradable filter material. While early results are encouraging, further research is needed to optimize how nanocellulose works at scale in real drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.

Article Tier 2

Capturing the colloidal microplastics with plant-based nanocellulose networks

Researchers found that nanocellulose—a material derived from plants—can efficiently capture colloidal microplastics and even nanoplastics from water, including particles too small for conventional filters. Plant-based nanocellulose networks could offer a sustainable, biodegradable solution for removing the smallest and most challenging microplastic fractions from water.

Review Tier 2

Cellulose-Based Sorbents: A Comprehensive Review of Current Advances in Water Remediation and Future Prospects

This review examines advances in cellulose-based sorbent materials for removing heavy metals and organic pollutants from wastewater. The study highlights that various modification methods such as carboxylation, amination, and oxidation can enhance cellulose's sorption capacity, making it a promising biodegradable alternative for sustainable water treatment technologies.

Article Tier 2

Nanocellulose as Sustainable Bio-Nanomaterial for Packaging and Biomedical Applications

This review examines the potential of nanocellulose, a material derived from plant fibers, as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics in packaging and biomedical applications. Researchers found that nanocellulose can provide effective moisture and gas barriers when used in paper-based packaging, reducing the need for plastic coatings. The study highlights nanocellulose as a biodegradable, renewable material that could help address both plastic waste and food preservation challenges.

Article Tier 2

Capturing colloidal nano- and microplastics with plant-based nanocellulose networks

Researchers developed a plant-based nanocellulose network that can capture even the smallest nanoplastic particles from water. The material works primarily through its moisture-absorbing properties, which are enhanced by the extremely high surface area of nanocellulose fibers. This technology could enable both better measurement of nanoplastic contamination in water and practical on-site collection of these hard-to-capture particles.

Share this paper