Chitosan from Periplaneta americana L.: a sustainable solution for heavy metals removal

The objective of this study is to explore the potential of the cockroach species, Periplaneta americana L., native to the Zagora region, in producing chitin and chitosan, contributing to water quality management and natural resource sustainability. Chitin and chitosan were extracted from the whole body of this insect and their characterization confirmed the successful extraction process. Through the Broussignac method, chitosan was obtained with a degree of acetylation (DA) of 15.3% and a molecular weight (Mv) of 75 KDa. The study focused on the interaction between this chitosan and the pollutants copper and lead, known for their detrimental health impacts. Using analysis methods such as Zeta potential and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), it was found that chitosan has a higher affinity for copper (5 mg) than for lead (3.4 mg). These results were applied in the decontamination of real effluents polluted with heavy metals. This research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) by offering a promising solution for water decontamination from heavy metal pollutants, thus contributing to environmental sustainability and improved water quality in the Euro-Mediterranean region.