An Eco-Friendly Water Treatment Biofilm Based on Chitosan-Starch Blend with Natural Extracts: Red Radish and Pomegranate

Abstract

Global water crisis is a topic that requires the development of methods that ensure water cleaning without residue generation. Chitosan-starch blend dopped with different natural extracts or inorganic compounds is broadly applied for water remediation. In this work, a series of chitosan-starch biofilms were produced with the addition of red radish and pomegranate extracts. The study was conducted using formic and acetic acid to determine the effect of the acid on materials integration and biofilm properties. It was found that acetic acid produces films with higher tensile strength and weathering resistance. However, formic acid performs a better antimicrobial activity and BOD and COD control when mixed with red radish anthocyanins. The chloride ion interaction had better results for those films produced with formic acid. Future work will pursue formulations combining the four elements: formic acid, acetic acid, red radish extract, and pomegranate extract, to improve the resistance of the biofilms, maintain the antimicrobial activity, the retention of organic material, and interact with salts ions for achieving water treatment at significant scale.