Chitosan-Based Adsorbents: A Versatile Platform for the Removal of Arsenate and Copper Ions from Water

Chitosan, owing to its abundant amino and hydroxyl functional groups, serves as an effective biosorbent for the removal of toxic metal(loid) ions from water. This review summarizes recent advances in chitosan-based adsorbents specifically for arsenate (As(V)) and copper ions (Cu(II)), with an emphasis on adsorption mechanisms and electrospun nanofiber technologies. A conceptual “charge adaptation–structure synergy” model is proposed to elucidate the distinct adsorption behaviors of chitosan toward anionic and cationic substances: under acidic conditions, As(V) adsorption is dominated by electrostatic attraction to protonated amino groups, whereas at pH values near or above the pKa, Cu(II) removal proceeds via synergistic chelation involving deprotonated amino and hydroxyl groups. Competitive and synergistic interactions in binary systems, particularly between As(V) and coexisting anions such as phosphate, are also discussed. Notably, the kinetic advantages of electrospun chitosan nanofibers are highlighted, with equilibrium times shortened from several hours to approximately 0.5–2.6 h. Key challenges and future research directions are further discussed, including scalable manufacturing and the treatment of complex wastewater matrices.