Biopolymer-photocatalytic hybrid systems for post-war restoration of contaminated water and soil resources
Abstract
Armed conflicts have caused severe degradation of water and soil resources through physical disturbance, contamination by heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, explosive residues, and disruption of hydrological systems. These impacts pose significant environmental and public health risks while challenging the effectiveness of conventional remediation technologies, which are often energy-intensive, expensive, and environmentally disruptive. This review critically evaluates the potential of biopolymer-based and biological remediation strategies, including biosorption, biodegradation, phytoremediation, and hybrid systems integrating biodegradable biopolymers with photocatalytic materials for the sustainable restoration of war-impacted environments. The roles of natural biopolymers, including chitosan, alginate, xanthan gum, guar gum, and lignin, are examined as sorbents, soil stabilisers, water-retaining agents, and matrices for microbial, plant-assisted, and catalyst immobilisation applications. Particular emphasis is placed on titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based photocatalytic systems, which generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light irradiation to promote the oxidative degradation and mineralisation of persistent organic pollutants. The synergistic integration of biopolymers with photocatalysts offers improved adsorption capacity, enhanced catalyst stability, and greater remediation efficiency while maintaining environmental compatibility. Furthermore, this review proposes a structured experimental roadmap comprising laboratory-scale screening, soil and water microcosm investigations, pilot-scale validation, and long-term environmental monitoring to facilitate technology development and field implementation. The proposed framework provides a scientific foundation for scalable, nature-based remediation strategies and supports future research, environmental restoration initiatives, and policy development for the sustainable recovery of war-affected ecosystems in Ukraine and other conflict-impacted regions.