The aim of the project consists of preparation, characterization and test of new composite based on hydrogel and fruit wastes for water cleaning and for improving the plants quality. Within the scope of the project, the use of fruit waste-based hydrogel will be investigated to mitigate the harmful effects of paracetamol in lettuce plants grown with contaminated water.
Objectives
O1. Encapsulation of fruit waste in alginate and characterization of the material;
O2. Evaluation of the new material efficiency in drug removal from contaminated water;
O3. Assessment of the influence of new composite on leafy plant growing, yield, nutrient uptake and crop quality under paracetamol-contaminated irrigation.
Stages
- Preparation and characterization of hydrogel based on fruit wastes. Tests regarding the efficiency of new material on paracetamol retention from contaminated water.
Summary of activities carried out in stage 1
Scheme of encapsulation of fruit waste in alginate
- Tests regarding the efficiency of new material on paracetamol retention from contaminated water (continuation). Determination of the attenuation effect of hydrogel on paracetamol contamination.