Bio-based adhesives, derived from renewable resources, are gaining attention for their environmental benefits compared to traditional petroleum-based options.

Among these, tannin-based adhesives show promise but are hindered by their water resistance, which can be enhanced through structural modifications.

Essential modifications, such as cross-linking and creating multi-network structures, are crucial for improving the performance and water resistance of bio-based adhesives.

As the demand for metals increases alongside environmental regulations, there is a pressing need for effective and sustainable methods to recover or remove metals from various media.

Cadmium and lead are significant pollutants, with cadmium being a known carcinogen and lead posing severe health risks to both humans and wildlife.

Research is focused on the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/zinc oxide nanoparticles (rGO/ZnONP), which have shown effectiveness in adsorbing toxic metals like cadmium and lead from wastewater.

The rGO/ZnONP nanocomposite, synthesized at room temperature, exhibits a low band gap energy of 2.69 eV, making it efficient for adsorption tasks.

A Special Issue on 'Advanced Sorbents for Separation of Metal Ions' showcases innovative sorbent materials and methodologies, highlighting their effectiveness in metal removal.

Innovative non-conventional adsorbents, including modified natural minerals and biochar, are emerging as effective alternatives for metal ion separation.

While algal biofuels were once touted as a future energy source, their cultivation demands significant resources, making them less viable compared to other renewable energy options.

The article emphasizes the environmental and health risks posed by pollutants such as heavy metals, which are often resistant to conventional treatment methods.

The global production of plastic reached 368 million tonnes in 2019, with a significant portion intended for single-use applications, exacerbating environmental concerns.