Functional Polymers for Environmental Remediation: Synthesis and Applications

Abstract

Environmental pollution including heavy metals, organic dyes, persistent contaminants, and pathogenic microorganisms — poses a significant threat to ecosystems and public health. The development of functional polymers has emerged as a versatile and efficient class of materials for remediation technologies due to their tunable structure, high surface area, controllable functionality and chemical robustness. This review examines the synthesis strategies, functionalization methods, and application domains of functional polymers in environmentalremediation. We discuss major polymeric types — including biopolymers (chitosan, cellulose derivatives), synthetic polymer adsorbents, hydrogels, membranes, nanocomposites and molecularly imprinted polymers — describing their synthesis and modification. Key applications such as adsorption of heavy metals/organic pollutants, flocculation/ coagulation, m and antimicrobial polymer systems are reviewed. We highlight recent performance advances, mechanistic insights, and design principles. The review further addresses current challenges — including material stability, regeneration, cost and largescale deployment — and outlines future opportunities in smart responsive polymers, hybrid systems, lifecycle assessment and resource recovery. The strategic deployment of functional polymers holds promise for delivering scalable, efficient and sustainable remediation technologies aligned with the goals ofgreen chemistry and circular economy.

How to cite this article:
Ojha V. Functional Polymers for Environmental
Remediation: Synthesis and Applications. J Adv
Res Appl Chem Chem Eng 2025; 3(2): 11-15.