Removal of Hydrophobic Organic Pollutants and Copper by Alginate-Based and Polycaprolactone Materials

Organic pollutants (OPs) and heavy metals are environmental toxicants associated with great concerns. Decontamination processes urgent for both, the possibility to achieve their simultaneous removal from polluted waters is highly interesting. Additionally, in many cases, effect of organic matter process overlooked must be considered. This work aimed study potential alginate-based polycaprolactone (PCL) materials remove OPs copper ions absence presence matter. The investigated were polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons anthracene benzo[a]pyrene, pesticide chlorpyrifos, both hydrophobic compounds. Copper (II) used as a model metals. Alginate-based spheres prepared by gelation, PCL microparticles obtained oil/water emulsion solvent evaporation. highest efficiencies OP aqueous solutions those activated carbon PCL. Furthermore, could simultaneously, even humic acid. points carbon–alginate multifunctional adsorbent able different applications decontamination processes.