Sustainable Carboxylated Cellulose Hydrogel Beads for Pb(II) Wastewater Treatment
CWSF · 2026 Environment & Climate Change Silver Medal
Overview
Lead pollution is a major environmental and health problem, and current industrial treatments are damaging to the environment in both production and end-of-life disposal. In this project, CeLlulosE oxALate hydRogel (CLEAR) beads were developed as a novel, biodegradable, and highly effective solution for removing lead. CLEAR beads are made from natural substances found in plant fibres and algae, which lets it act like a “chemical magnet” that pulls lead out of water and removes it. The material can remove large amounts of lead in a matter of minutes and can be reused many times. By optimizing how it is made, CLEAR beads are designed to remain durable during use, decompose after use, and be low-cost to produce, while having strong potential to use wheat straw as its main raw material. Overall, CLEAR beads are a promising technology that opens new possibilities for greener heavy metal wastewater treatment.
Awards (5)
- Young Scientist Award
- Challenge Award
- Special Award
- Silver Medal
- Selected for CWSF 2026
Competition history
- CWSF 2026
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