Functionalization of the nanocellulose for remediation of contaminated aquatic systems by toxic metal

Abstract

Potentially toxic metals can be found in different forms, free or complex to organic and inorganic matter. In the food chain occurs bioaccumulation and biomagnification. They are considered a special class of contaminants, as they are not degraded, remaining for a long period in the environment. The development of devices capable of recovering metal contaminated systems is required. In this sense, cellulose nanoparticles have emerged as a promising material uniting nanotechnology and the use of renewable resources. Biocompatible, biodegradable and with low toxicity, cellulose has a long history of applications in the area of metal recovery in aquatic systems. Combining functionalization with nanotechnology will increase the surface area and the complexing capacity of the material enabling the development of an attractive and innovative bioproduct for the area of environmental chemistry. Thus, the objective of this project is to prepare a modified nanocellulose film and apply it to the recovery studies of potentially toxic metals in contaminated aquatic systems. The presence of organic matter will be evaluated by the controlled concentration of aquatic humic substances. The funcionalized nanocellulose will be prepared with tetraethylorthosilicate and aminopropyltriethoxysilane, allowing obtaining a new material with an effective patent possibility. (AU)