Bacterial nanocellulose-clay film as an eco-friendly sorbent for superior pollutants removal from aqueous solutions

• Published in: Environmental research 2024-09, Vol.257, p.119231, Article 119231
• Main Authors: Maged, Ali, Al-Hagar, Ola E.A., Ahmed Abu El-Magd, Sherif, Kharbish, Sherif, Bhatnagar, Amit, Abol-Fotouh, Deyaa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption; Bacterial nanocellulose; Basic blue 9; Kaolinite; Norfloxacin; Sorption mechanism
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119231

The persistent water treatment and separation challenge necessitates innovative and sustainable advances to tackle conventional and emerging contaminants in the aquatic environment effectively. Therefore, a unique three-dimensional (3D) network composite film (BNC-KC) comprised of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) incorporated nano-kaolinite clay particles (KC) was successfully synthesized via an in-situ approach. The microscopic characterization of BNC-KC revealed an effective integration of KC within the 3D matrix of BNC. The investigated mechanical properties of BNC-KC demonstrated a better performance compared to BNC. Thereafter, the sorption performance of BNC-KC films towards basic blue 9 dye (Bb9) and norfloxacin (NFX) antibiotic from water was investigated. The maximum sorption capacities of BNC-KC for Bb9 and NFX were 127.64 and 101.68 mg/g, respectively. Mechanistic studies showed that electrostatic interactions, multi-layered sorption, and 3D structure are pivotal in the NFX/Bb9 sorption process. The intricate architecture of BNC-KC effectively traps molecules within the interlayer spaces, significantly increasing sorption efficiency. The distinctive structural configuration of BNC-KC films effectively addressed the challenges of post-water treatment separation while concurrently mitigating waste generation. The environmental evaluation, engineering, and economic feasibility of BNC-KC are also discussed. The cost estimation assessment of BNC-KC revealed the potential to remove NFX and Bb9 from water at an economically viable cost. [Display omitted] •Bacterial nanocellulose-kaolinite (BNC-KC) composite was successfully synthesized.•BNC-KC exhibited a unique three-dimensional network structure with high stability.•BNC-KC showed a maximum monolayer capacity of 101.68 (NFX) and 127.64 mg/g (Bb9).•Synergistic sorption mechanisms were confirmed for NFX and Bb9 sorption by BNC-KC.•Cost estimation and economic evaluation of BNC-KC were precisely presented.