Hydrosense: A Hair-Based Absorption System for Heavy Metal Removal from Wastewater

This study explores the utilization of human hair as a biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater, addressing critical ecological and health risks. We developed a filtration device named “Hydrosense,” which employs both untreated and chemically treated human hair to evaluate its adsorption capacities in simulated wastewater environments. The primary objectives were to determine the efficacy of human hair in removing heavy metals and to compare its performance with conventional industrial methods. Experimental results indicated that chemically treated hair significantly enhances the adsorption of heavy metals, achieving removal efficiencies comparable to existing treatments. This research underscores the potential of human hair as an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable material for wastewater treatment applications.