Update on chitosan-based electrospun nanofibers for wastewater treatment: A review

Now-a-days water pollution is one of the most concerned problem as it is increasing due to industrialization and human activities. The applications of electrospun nanofibers are increasing day by day due to their special properties such as huge surface-to-volume ratio, possibilities of surface modification and conversion to small mesh mat or membrane etc. Chitosan-based electrospun nanofibers have more avenues due to their additional benefits of non-toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability and cost-effectiveness. Although chitosan-based nanofibers have been using in various biomedical fields and reviewed, applications as adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals, dyes and other pollutants are relatively new and not reviewed yet. In this regard, the present review explores various types of chitosan-based nanofibers prepared with pure chitosan, mixed with other materials, surface-modified chitosan, magnetic chitosan etc., their adsorption performance and applications for the removal of heavy metals, dyes, and miscellaneous pollutants.