Bacterial cellulose and composites for the treatment of water pollution: a review

Abstract

Water contamination by organic, inorganic, and microplastic pollutants poses significant threats to ecosystems and public health, emphasizing the need for advanced remediation strategies. Here, we review the water treatment with composites including bacterial cellulose, with focus on synthesis and modification of bacterial cellulose and composites, and application in water treatment. Synthesis of bacterial cellulose can be done in static, agitated and bioreactor cultures. Composite materials include metal oxides, metal organic frameworks, polymers, graphene and magnetic materials. Applications comprise the removal of microplastics, heavy metals, oil, and organic and inorganic pollutants. Bacterial cellulose is biodegradable, biocompatible, and possesses customizable surface chemistry and structure, enabling exceptional pollutant removal. Surface modifications add functional groups such as hydroxyl and carboxylate groups, while reinforcement strategies improve mechanical and chemical properties. Composites exhibit pollutant removal efficiencies of up to 99.9% and oil separation stability of 99% even after 20–50 cycles. Mechanisms including adsorption, photodegradation, flocculation, and biodegradation are discussed.