Hydrogel polymers can absorb surface active agents from the water environment, which can be practically applied for their removal from waters polluted with detergents.
The carried out investigation studies involved the interaction of maleic anhydride copolymers with vinyl ethers when subjected to crosslinking with various crosslinking agents, as well as generated in Poland cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactants.
A very high absorption of cationic surfactant by the hydrogels has been found, which can be applied in the vicinity of plants using such surfactants, e.g. dairies.
Poly(vinyl) alcohol crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, was used as hydrogel too, and it doesn't absorb cationic surfactants.