Pectin-based adsorbents for heavy metal ions: A review

Publication date: Available online 27 July 2019Source: Trends in Food Science & TechnologyAuthor(s): Risi Wang, Ruihong Liang, Tao-tao Dai, Jun Chen, Xixiang Shuai, Chengmei LiuAbstractBackgroundOver the past decades, the growing industrialization caused continuously increased release of heavy metal into environment. Through the food chain, heavy metals can be enriched in the body, causing serious harm. The removal and recycling of heavy metals are of great significance to environment protection, health concern as well as resource reuse. Pectic materials are available from a variety of natural sources and can be used as versatile adsorbents for heavy metal.Scope and approachThis paper reviews the current state of research on the adsorption capacity, internal (i.e. molecular structure) and external factors (i.e. pH, ionic strength, equilibrium time, temperature, and initial concentration) that influence adsorption properties, as well as adsorption mechanism of pectin and its modified forms (hydrogels and chemical modified pectin) for the removal of heavy metals. Besides, the corresponding key problems that need further studies are emphasized. Some novel trends in this field have also been discussed.Key findings and conclusionsPectin possesses good capacities for adsorption of heavy metals, but drawbacks such as low mechanical strength and difficulty in separation limit it’s application. Therefore, development of pectin derivatives such as hydrogels and chemical modified pect...
Source: Trends in Food Science and Technology - Category: Food Science Source Type: research