Rafael Marc E. Amboy, John David F. Ponce de Leon, and Lance Christian T. Tapia presented their study titled “NH₂-MOF-808(Ce)/polyvinylamine/chitosan nanocomposite beads for adsorption of methylparaben in aqueous systems.” Their proposed work centers on the fabrication of hybrid nanocomposite beads that integrate cerium-based MOF-808 with polyvinylamine and chitosan matrices. This multi-component system is designed to exploit the high surface area and tunable porosity of MOF structures alongside the functional group richness of biopolymers. Their approach targets methylparaben, a widely detected pharmaceutical contaminant, with emphasis on adsorption kinetics, isotherm behavior, and kinetic performance. The group outlined plans for comprehensive characterization using spectroscopic, microscopic, and surface analysis techniques, coupled with mechanistic modeling of adsorption pathways driven by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and π–π interactions.

The significance of this study lies in its focus on addressing the persistence of personal care product residues in aquatic environments, which are often resistant to conventional treatment methods. Methylparaben, commonly used as a preservative, has been detected in surface and wastewater systems and is associated with potential endocrine-disrupting effects. The proposed nanocomposite bead design offers a practical advantage through its bead form, enabling easier separation, recovery, and potential use in continuous flow treatment systems. Integration of polyvinylamine enhances amine functionality for stronger interactions with target molecules, while chitosan contributes biodegradability and structural integrity. The cerium-based framework introduces redox-active sites that may further influence adsorption behavior. Successful development of this material could lead to a highly selective, reusable, and scalable adsorbent platform, contributing to safer water treatment strategies and reduced environmental exposure to emerging contaminants.

Jose Miguel V. Ferreras, Sean Rae Matthew L. Quizon, and Mack Lorenz D. Bernardo defended their proposal entitled “NH₂-MOF-808(Zr)/sulfobutylether beta-cyclodextrin/chitosan nanocomposite beads for removal of nonylphenol from water.” Their study addresses the removal of nonylphenol, a well-known endocrine-disrupting compound, through a multifunctional adsorbent system. The incorporation of sulfobutylether beta-cyclodextrin introduces host–guest inclusion capabilities, enabling selective capture of hydrophobic organic molecules. Combined with the structural stability of zirconium-based MOF-808 and the processability of chitosan, the proposed material is expected to exhibit enhanced adsorption capacity and selectivity. The group detailed experimental plans that include batch adsorption studies, thermodynamic analysis involving ΔG_ads, ΔH_ads, and ΔS_ads, kinetic modeling, and isotherm evaluation to fully describe the adsorption behavior.

The significance of this work is anchored on the urgent need to remove endocrine-disrupting chemicals that pose risks to both ecosystems and human health. Nonylphenol is persistent, bioaccumulative, and capable of interfering with hormonal systems even at low concentrations. The proposed hybrid material leverages multiple interaction pathways, including hydrophobic inclusion within the cyclodextrin cavity, electrostatic attraction, and surface adsorption on the porous framework, leading to a synergistic enhancement in pollutant removal. The bead configuration supports practical deployment through improved handling, mechanical stability, and potential application in packed-bed or column systems. Successful outcomes from this study could provide a selective and reusable adsorbent platform tailored for complex organic contaminants, supporting safer and more reliable water treatment processes.