Guest Editors
Prof. Khalid Z. Elwakeel
Email: khalid_elwakeel@yahoo.com
Affiliation: University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Research Interests: Adsorption; Biosorption; Heavy metals; Environmental Chemistry; Water
Summary
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet global challenges like water scarcity and contamination are intensifying due to urbanization, industrial discharge, and climate change. Conventional water treatment methods are often constrained by high costs, limited efficiency, and environmental impact, underscoring the critical need for sustainable and high-performance alternatives. Biopolymers—derived from renewable, biodegradable sources—offer a promising solution, exhibiting unique structural and functional properties ideal for advanced water treatment applications.
This Special Issue, Emerging Biopolymer Technologies for Clean Water (EBT-CW), will highlight cutting-edge advances in the design, synthesis, and application of biopolymer-based materials for water purification. It aims to provide a platform for innovative research and cross-disciplinary studies that leverage biopolymers to address pressing challenges in wastewater treatment, desalination, and environmental remediation.
We invite the submission of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives covering, but not limited to, the following topics:
1. Novel synthesis, modification, and functionalization techniques for water-treatment biopolymers
2. Biopolymer-based adsorbents for the removal of pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and emerging contaminants)
3. Advanced flocculation and coagulation systems utilizing natural or engineered biopolymers
4. Biopolymer-derived membranes and hydrogels for filtration, desalination, and antimicrobial applications
5. Hybrid and composite materials integrating biopolymers with nanomaterials, clays, or catalysts
6. Structure-function-performance relationships in biopolymer-based water treatment processes
7. Environmental impact, biodegradability, and life-cycle assessment of biopolymer technologies
8. Pilot-scale studies, industrial applications, and case studies demonstrating real-world scalability
Keywords
Biopolymers; Clean Water; Water Treatment; Wastewater Purification; Adsorption; Flocculation; Membranes; Hydrogels; Composites; Emerging Contaminants; Sustainable Technology
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