Pollution

Pollution

Preparation, Characterisation, and Performance Evaluation of Organic-Based Adsorbents Derived from Shrimp Shells for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Simulated Power Plant Wastewater: An Applied Study in Basrah

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors
1 Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
2 Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Basrah, Iraq
10.22059/poll.2026.415833.3360
Abstract
This research aims to develop two low-cost, eco-friendly bio-adsorbent materials de-rived from chitosan extracted from shrimp shells, for the removal of carcinogenic heavy ele-ments (lead, Pb²⁺; nickel, Ni²⁺; and vanadium, V⁵⁺) from wastewater generated by power plants. Adsorption experiments were conducted using multi-metal synthetic aqueous solutions contain-ing Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺, and V⁵⁺ simultaneously, prepared in the laboratory to simulate the reported composition of Basrah power-plant wastewater; real power-plant water was not tested in this study. Chitosan was obtained from shrimp shells via demineralization, deproteinization, and deacety-lation, then crosslinked into two hydrogels: one using natural tannic acid and one using bio-gelatin, to enhance their mechanical and chemical properties. Both materials were character-ized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, BET, and TGA techniques to assess chemical and crystalline structure, porosity, and thermal stability. Both hydrogels exhibited high adsorption efficiency under optimized conditions of pH = 5, contact time of 90 minutes, initial pollutant concentra-tion of 100 mg/L, and temperature of 25°C. For the tannic acid-crosslinked chitosan hydrogel, the maximum removal efficiencies were as follows: lead 98.3%, nickel 91.4%, and vanadium 88.7%. The gelatin-crosslinked hydrogel achieved removal efficiencies of lead 88.6%, nickel 83.2%, and vanadium 79.4%, indicating a slight superiority of the tannic acid-crosslinked hydrogel. Removal efficiency declined above an initial concentration of 150 mg/L but remained stable between pH 5 and 6. These findings demonstrate the potential of both materials, particularly the tannic acid-crosslinked hydrogel, as sustainable, low-cost filters for treating heavy-metalcontaminated water in Basrah Governorate, where deteriorating water quality is linked to elevated pollution-related cancer incidence.
Keywords
Subjects

Abdul, A., & Hameed, S. (2024). Pollution of water’s direct effect in Iraq on the public health & safety. Journal of Al-Farabi Engineering Sciences, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.59746/jfes.v2i2.78
Ahmed, E. M. (2015). Hydrogel: Preparation, characterization, and applications: A review. Journal of Advanced Research, 6(2), 105–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2013.07.006
Al-Hazmi, G. A. A. M., Elsayed, N. H., Alnawmasi, J. Sh., Alomari, K. B., Alessa, A. H., Alshareef, S. A., & El-Bindary, A. A. (2025). Elimination of Ni(II) from wastewater using metal–organic frameworks and activated algae encapsulated in chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel beads: Adsorption isotherm, kinetic, and optimization via Box–Behnken design. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 299, 140019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.140019
Anitha, A., Sowmya, S., Kumar, P. T. S., Deepthi, S., Chennazhi, K. P., Ehrlich, H., Tsurkan, M., & Jayakumar, R. (2014). Chitin and chitosan in selected biomedical applications. Progress in Polymer Science, 39(9), 1644–1667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2014.02.008
Babel, S., & Kurniawan, T. A. (2003). Low-cost adsorbents for heavy metals uptake from contaminated water: A review. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 97(1–3), 219–243.
Badawi, M. A., Negm, N. A., Abou Kana, M. T. H., Hefni, H. H., & Abdel Moneem, M. M. (2017). Adsorption of aluminum and lead from wastewater by chitosan-tannic acid modified biopolymers: Isotherms, kinetics, thermodynamics and process mechanism. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 99, 465–476.
Barakat, M. A. (2011). New trends in removing heavy metals from industrial wastewater. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 4(4), 361–377.
Batool, F., Akbar, J., Iqbal, S., Noreen, S., & Bukhari, S. N. A. (2018). Study of isothermal, kinetic, and thermodynamic parameters for adsorption of cadmium: An overview of linear and nonlinear approach and error analysis. Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications, 2018, Article 3463724. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3463724
Chandra, D., Molla, M. T. H., Bashar, M. A., Islam, M. S., & Ahsan, M. S. (2023). Chitosan-based nano-sorbents: Synthesis, surface modification, characterization and application in Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions removal from wastewater. Scientific Reports, 13, Article 6050.
Crini, G., & Badot, P.-M. (2008). Application of chitosan, a natural aminopolysaccharide, for dye removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption processes using batch studies: A review of recent literature. Progress in Polymer Science, 33(4), 399–447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2007.11.001
Crini, G. (2005). Recent developments in polysaccharide-based materials used as adsorbents in wastewater treatment. Progress in Polymer Science, 30(1), 38–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2004.11.002
Crini, G. (2019). Crosslinked chitosan-based hydrogels for dye removal. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 17, 1669–1705.
Dambuza, A., Mokolokolo, P. P., Makhatha, M. E., & Sibeko, M. A. (2025). Chitosan-based materials as effective materials to remove pollutants. Polymers, 17(18), 2447. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17182447
Fan, L., Luo, C., Sun, M., Li, X., Lu, F., & Qiu, H. (2012). Preparation of novel magnetic chitosan/graphene oxide composite as effective adsorbents toward methylene blue. Bioresource technology, 114, 703–706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2012.02.067 
FAO & UNEP. (2022). Marine waste management and circular economy in coastal regions. FAO/UNEP Joint Report.
Farasati Far, B., Naimi-Jamal, M. R., & Jahanbakhshi, M. (2024). Enhanced antibacterial activity of porous chitosan-based hydrogels crosslinked with gelatin and metal ions. Scientific Reports, 14, 7505. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58174-9
Filho, A. C. D., Mazzocato, A. C., Dotto, G. L., Thue, P. S., & Pavan, F. A. (2017). Eragrostis plana Nees as a novel eco-friendly adsorbent for removal of crystal violet from aqueous solutions. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24, 19909–19919.
Foo, K. Y., & Hameed, B. H. (2010). Insights into the modeling of adsorption isotherm systems. Chemical Engineering Journal, 156(1), 2–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2009.09.013
Gregg, S. J., & Sing, K. S. W. (1982). Adsorption, surface area and porosity (2nd ed.). Academic Press.
Ho, Y. S., & McKay, G. (1999). Pseudo-second order model for sorption processes. Process Biochemistry, 34(5), 451–465.
International Agency for Research on Cancer. (n.d.). Agents classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1–123. IARC. Retrieved from https://monographs.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ClassificationsAlphaOrder.pdf
Iraqi Ministry of Health. (2023). Annual report on cancer and chronic disease incidence – Basrah Governorate. Ministry of Health.
Jassim, I. N., Al-Amiri, N. J., & Moyel, M. S. (2024). Predicting the extent of pollution of the Shatt al-Arab River with some heavy metals using the heavy metals index (HPI). International Journal of Aquatic Biology, 12(3), 296–301.
Jayakumar, R., Prabaharan, M., Nair, S. V., & Tamura, H. (2010). Novel chitin and chitosan nanofibers in biomedical applications. Biotechnology Advances, 28(1), 142–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2009.11.001
Kandile, N. G., Zaky, H. T., Mohamed, M. I., Nasr, A. S., & Ali, Y. G. (2018). Extraction and characterization of chitosan from shrimp shells. Open Journal of Organic Polymer Materials, 8(3), 33–42.
Koppmann, A. C. (2023). Sustainable tannin-based hydrogels for efficient removal of inorganic and organic dyes. Gels, 9(10), 822. https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9100822
Kumirska, J., Czerwicka, M., Kaczyński, Z., Bychowska, A., Brzozowski, K., Thöming, J., & Stepnowski, P. (2010). Application of spectroscopic methods for structural analysis of chitin and chitosan. Marine Drugs, 8(5), 1567–1636. https://doi.org/10.3390/md8051567
Kyzas, G. Z., & Bikiaris, D. N. (2015). Recent modifications of chitosan for adsorption applications: A critical and systematic review. Carbohydrate Polymers, 128, 51–67.
Kyzas, G. Z., & Kostoglou, M. (2017). Green adsorbents for wastewaters: A critical review. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 346, 6–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.12.011
Liu, C., & Bai, R. (2014). Recent advances in chitosan and its derivatives as adsorbents for removal of pollutants from water and wastewater. Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering, 4, 62–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coche.2014.01.004
Liu, Y., Huang, S., Zhao, X., & Zhang, Y. (2018). Fabrication of three-dimensional porous β-cyclodextrin/chitosan functionalized graphene oxide hydrogel for methylene blue removal from aqueous solution. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 539, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2017.11.066
Lone, S., Yoon, D. H., Lee, H., & Cheong, I. W. (2019). Gelatin–chitosan hydrogel particles for efficient removal of Hg(II) from wastewater. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, 5(1), 83–90.
Marzuki, I., Bachtiar, E., Sinardi, S., Alwi, R. S., Mudyawati, M., & Sry Iryani, A. (2019). Chitosan performance of shrimp shells in the biosorption of cadmium, lead and nickel based on variations in pH interaction. Advances in Engineering Research, 165, 6–11. https://doi.org/10.2991/icmeme-18.2019.2
Naji, L. A., Jassam, S. H., Yaseen, M. J., Faisal, A. A. H., & Al-Ansari, N. (2020). Modification of Langmuir model for simulating initial pH and temperature effects on sorption process. Separation Science and Technology.
Obodovych, O., Sydorenko, V., Bulii, Y., & Stepanova, O. (2023). Wastewater treatment of thermal power plants (TPP). Thermophysics and Thermal Power Engineering. https://doi.org/10.31472/ttpe.2.2023.8
Omidinasab, M., Rahbar, N., Ahmadi, M., Kakavandi, B., Ghanbari, F., Kyzas, G. Z., Silva Martinez, S., & Jaafarzadeh, N. (2018). Removal of vanadium and palladium ions by adsorption onto magnetic chitosan nanoparticles. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25(34), 34262–34276. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3137-1
Rafatullah, M., Sulaiman, O., Hashim, R., & Ahmad, A. (2010). Adsorption of heavy metals using low-cost adsorbents: A review. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 177(1–3), 70–80.
Raji, Z., Karim, A., Karam, A., & Khalloufi, S. (2023). Adsorption of heavy metals: Mechanisms, kinetics, and applications of various adsorbents in wastewater remediation — A review. Waste, 1(3), 775–805. https://doi.org/10.3390/waste1030046
Rinaudo, M. (2006). Chitin and chitosan: Properties and applications. Progress in Polymer Science, 31(7), 603–632.
Rouquerol, J., Avnir, D., Fairbridge, C. W., Everett, D. H., Haynes, J. H., Pernicone, N., Ramsay, J. D. F., Sing, K. S. W., & Unger, K. K. (1994). Recommendations for the characterization of porous solids. Pure and Applied Chemistry, 66(8), 1739–1758.
Roy, B., Bhunia, B., Bandyopadhyay, T. K., Khan, S., Nandi, N. B., & Nath, P. C. (2024). Water pollution by heavy metals and their impact on human health (pp. 333–352). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119904991.ch10
Salah, M., Al-Hassany, J. S., & Al-Jiboori, M. H. (2025). An impact assessment of Al-Rumaila combined cycle power plant on the water quality in Basrah City, Iraq: A study on the influence of heavy metals. Iraqi Geological Journal, 58, 220–233.
Savran, A. (2017). Adsorption isotherm models for dye removal by Paliurus spina-christi Mill. fruits and seeds in a single component system. IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 11(4-II), 18–30.
Sazali, N., Ibrahim, H., Jamaludin, A. S., & Mohamed, M. A. (2020, June). Degradation and stability of polymer: A mini review. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 788(1), 012048.
Sesia, R., Ferraris, S., Sangermano, M., & Spriano, S. (2022). UV-cured chitosan-based hydrogels strengthened by tannic acid for the removal of copper ions from water. Polymers, 14(21), 4645. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214645
Sing, K. S. W., Everett, D. H., Haul, R. A. W., Moscou, L., Pierotti, R. A., Rouquerol, J., & Siemieniewska, T. (1985). Reporting physisorption data for gas/solid systems with special reference to the determination of surface area and porosity. Pure and Applied Chemistry, 57(4), 603–619.
Socrates, G. (2001). Infrared and Raman characteristic group frequencies: Tables and charts (3rd ed.). Wiley.
Todd, E. C. D. (2024). Waterborne diseases and wastewater treatment in Iraq. Journal of Food Protection, 87(1), Article 100204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100204
Tomičić, Z., Popović, S., Hromiš, N., Lukić, D., Vasić, V., & Čabarkapa, I. (2026). Trends and opportunities in crustacean shell waste valorization: Towards sustainable application in packaging materials and wastewater treatment. Environments, 13(1), Article 54. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13010054
Tsauria, Q. D., Gareso, P., & Tahir, D. (2025). Systematic review of chitosan-based adsorbents for heavy metal and dye remediation. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management. https://doi.org/10.1093/inteam/vjaf037
Venkatesan, R., Vetcher, A. A., Al-Asbahi, B. A., & Kim, S.-C. (2024). Chitosan-based films blended with tannic acid and Moringa oleifera for application in food packaging: The preservation of strawberries (Fragaria ananassa). Polymers, 16(7), Article 937.
Volkov, A., Kologrieva, U., & Stulov, P. (2022). Study of forms of compounds of vanadium and other elements in samples of pyrometallurgical enrichment of ash from burning oil combustion at thermal power plants. Materials, 15(23), 8596. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238596
Weerasundara, L., et al. (2020). Hydrogels: Novel materials for contaminant removal in water — A review. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 51(1), 1–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2020.1776055
Yang, X., et al. (2021). Sustainable reuse of bio-based hydrogels for heavy metal removal in water treatment. Journal of Cleaner Production, 318, 128529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128529
Zhang, R., Lu, J., Dopson, M., & Leiviskä, T. (2022). Vanadium removal from mining ditch water using commercial iron products and ferric groundwater treatment residual-based materials. Chemosphere, 286, 131817. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131817