Ecologically benign polymers: The case of maleic polyelectrolytes

The paper discusses a series of results that evidence the favorable effect of maleic polyelectrolytes in different fields in which a protective action of the environment is attained:  (i) the exploitation of geothermal water, which is a cleaner source of energy; (ii) the improvement or preservation of the structure of agricultural soils; (iii) the substitution of phosphates in detergents; and (iv) the reduction of chromium load of effluents from tanning plants.