Adsorption and Removal of Contaminants Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Abstract

Environmental pollution is an increasing problem, and is an important issue for environmental sustainability. For a sustainable environment, it is necessary to use the natural content of soil, water and air without disturbing it. The removal of pollutants in soil, water and air are necessary in this respect. Many methods are used to remove pollutants from the environment. One of these is adsorption with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). MIPs can recognize the targeted molecules by size, shape, and functional groups, and have selective binding properties with covalent or non-covalent bonds. Thus, pollution can be removed by specific MIPs. They represent a cost effective, easy-to-apply, reusable and environmentally-friendly method of removing pollution. Pollution can be rapidly removed from the water or soil without the creation of by-products. MIPs can be prepared in different forms, such as micro- or nano-sized spherical particles and membranes, depending on the intended use. In this chapter, the important role of MIPs in environmental applications will be emphasized, particularly in the removal of the various organic and inorganic highly-polluting wastes, such as metal ions, dyes, drugs, and pesticides. The current studies on these issues will be reviewed and discussed. © Springer Nature Switzerland 2024.