Chitosan as a Tool for the Purification of Waters

It is well known that surface waters are polluted not only by inorganic chemicals such as heavy metals, but also by organic compounds. Owing to the high sorption capacities of chitosan this polymer can be utilized as a tool for the epuration of wastewaters on polluted stream waters. Some typical examples of the application of chitosan to this kind of environmental problems are given here. They include the prevention of water pollution by highly toxic chlorinated aromatic compounds, metal ions, and dyes which are amply used in the textile industry. The recovery of proteins from wastewaters is an example of pollution control utilized in other industries, including shrimp processing, as well.