Integrative approach for development of nanocellulose-based sorbents derived from sustainable biosources for optimised industrial wastewater treatment

Contamination of river water due to industrial activities is widespread in Mexico. Effective end-of-pipe treatment of industrial water at the source represents a challenge, especially in industrialised areas such as Nuevo León. This Teesside University (TU) - Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, S.C. (CIMAV) collaboration is aimed at developing a cost-effective technique for producing a novel nanocellulose fibers (NCFs) sorbent from natural and sustainable biosources (nopal and agave) native to Mexico. The sorbent will be incorporated in a wastewater treatment system with enhanced selectively for improved treatment effectiveness. This project involves an integrative and holistic approach combining experimental and modelling aspects aimed at optimising the complementary research expertise at TU and CIMAV.