Polymeric Sustainable Materials and Composites for Enhanced Wastewater Purification: A Comprehensive Review

Sustainable polymeric materials and composites have emerged as promising candidates for wastewater purification due to their exceptional physicochemical properties, adsorption capabilities, and environmental friendliness. The review examines in detail the classification, mechanisms and uses of polymeric materials e.g. natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers, polymer composites, in the removal of a wide range of pollutants including heavy metals, organic contaminants, nutrients and microbial pathogens. Special focus is made on sophisticated fabrication methods such as electrospinning, sol-gel processing, and chemical modification of the polymers to optimize the efficiency of removal. The performance analysis reveals the adsorption capacity, regeneration, stability, and biodegradability, in comparison to the polymeric materials and the conventional adsorbents. New technologies using nano-enhanced composites, stimuli-responsive polymers and hybrid systems are combining multi-functional features to provide more efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment. Issues around large-scale application, environmental impact analysis, and cost-efficiency are addressed, as well as future outlooks in terms of research gaps and new trends in this dynamic area. The review highlights the importance of polymeric sustainable materials in establishing effective, environmentally-friendly wastewater treatment methods, and to the water resource conservation and prevention of water pollution.