Antimicrobial gum based hydrogels as adsorbents for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants

A variety of issues, such as those concerning the environment, economics, sustainability, biocompatibility and biodegradability have prompted an ever-increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials. This has given rise to new fields of study that place a strong emphasis on natural-based products. Among bio-based polymers, gum polysaccharides are one of the most prevalent materials. They often come from microbes or plants as exudates, and they are used in a variety of industries. Compared to their synthetic equivalents, hydrogels based on polysaccharides provide several advantageous characteristics. Natural gum-based hydrogels have the potential to provide ecologically friendly products while also reducing the environmental contamination. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of natural gum-based hydrogels as adsorbents for wastewater treatment. The purpose of this review is to provide: (1) general design principles for natural gum-based hydrogels as adsorbents, (2) different kinds of natural gums-based hydrogels, including polymerization techniques, (3) measurement techniques for hydrogels adsorption, (4) The significance of natural gums-based hydrogels in removing organic pollutants (dyes, oils, pharmaceuticals, and phenols) and inorganic pollutants (heavy metal ions and nutrients) from wastewater were addressed, (5) future directions for the development of natural gums-based hydrogels as wastewater adsorbents to comprehend research gaps and limitations. The authors also hope that this review will spark interdisciplinary debates that will revolutionize the use of hydrogels based on natural gums as wastewater adsorbents.