Contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs), such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg), represents a significant issue for environmental quality and public health in Brazil, particularly in regions affected by mining, industrial activities, and intensive agriculture [1]. The presence of these contaminants in urban water supply systems reinforces the need for efficient and sustainable treatment technologies [2]. In this context, advanced materials such as polymeric aerogels have gained attention due to their structural properties, including high porosity, low density, and large specific surface area, which enhance adsorption processes [3]. Aerogels derived from biopolymers, especially starch, offer advantages such as biodegradability, renewability, and low environmental impact. Their abundance and ease of chemical modification enable the development of materials with tunable properties, suitable for removing heavy metals from aqueous systems. In Brazil, strategies such as incorporating natural clays into starch matrices have been explored to improve structural stability and adsorption capacity. Additionally, the use of agro-industrial residues, such as sugarcane bagasse, contributes to the formation of porous structures and introduces functional groups capable of interacting with PTEs [4]. The combination of starch with other biopolymers, such as alginate, has also shown promising results due to the higher affinity for metal cations. These materials can be structured as aerogels through techniques such as freeze-drying, forming three-dimensional networks effective in contaminant removal. Adsorption mechanisms mainly involve electrostatic interactions and ion exchange [5]. Despite the advances, challenges such as pH dependence, mechanical fragility, and the need for process optimization for large-scale applications remain. Nevertheless, starch-based aerogels represent a sustainable and promising alternative for the treatment of contaminated water in Brazil.
Comissão Organizadora
Pedro Alves da Silva Autreto
Comissão Científica
Ferramenta completa de submissão, avaliação e publicação de anais para eventos científicos.
