Affiliation:
1. College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
2. College of Civil Engineering, Hebei University of Architecture, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
3. Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co., Ltd., Beijing 100080, China
4. Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd2+) pollution in soil and water bodies is a significant environmental concern, necessitating effective remediation strategies. Traditional methods often fall short in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. This study develops and evaluates the effectiveness of chitosan–gelatin–hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (CS-GEL-HPMC) membranes for Cd2+ removal from polluted environments. CS-GEL-HPMC membranes were synthesized with varying HPMC concentrations. Their structural and morphological characteristics were analyzed using UV–visible absorption spectroscopy and FT-IR. The membranes’ stability across different pH levels and their morphological traits were assessed. The adsorption efficiency for Cd2+ ions was evaluated in both aqueous solutions and soil environments under varying conditions of pH, initial ion concentration, and contact time. The CS-GEL-HPMC membranes demonstrated significant structural integrity and stability, especially at higher HPMC concentrations. UV–visible and FT-IR analyses confirmed the successful integration of HPMC into the CS-GEL matrix. In aqueous solutions, the membranes exhibited efficient Cd2+ adsorption, with the best performance observed for the CS30-GEL30-HPMC40 membrane. The adsorption capacity was influenced by contact time, initial Cd2+ concentration, and pH. In soil treatments, the membranes effectively reduced Cd2+ concentrations, with higher membrane dosages yielding better results. The incorporation of additives like (hydroxyapatite) HAP, fly ash (FA), and cement further enhanced the remediation efficiency. In summary, CS-GEL-HPMC membranes, particularly when combined with additives, emerge as a promising, sustainable solution for Cd2+ remediation in both soil and water bodies. This study highlights the potential of biopolymer-based composites in environmental clean-up efforts, offering a novel approach that is both effective and eco-friendly.