Comparison of Sulfamethoxazole Removal Efficiency Using Polyethersulfone Ultrafiltration Membrane Modified by Various...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Membrane modification is crucial for enhancing treatment effectiveness and reducing fouling.
• Emerging contaminants like sulfamethoxazole (SMX) pose environmental challenges.
• Ultrafiltration membranes require improved performance for contaminant removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modify ultrafiltration membranes using reduced graphene oxide (rGO), chitosan, and MgCl2.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of these modified membranes in removing sulfamethoxazole (SMX).
• To investigate the impact of modification on membrane permeability, pollutant rejection, and fouling.

Main Methods:

• Membrane modification using rGO, chitosan, and MgCl2.
• Surface characterization via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and SEM-EDX.
• Ultrafiltration experiments to assess sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal under varying pressure and concentration.
• Permeability coefficient (Aw) and rejection rate measurements.
• Fouling studies to analyze pore blockage.

Main Results:

• Modified membranes exhibited lower permeability coefficients (Aw) than the native membrane.
• The rGO-modified membrane achieved the highest sulfamethoxazole (SMX) rejection due to increased hydrophilicity.
• Native membranes had higher permeate flux values compared to modified ones.
• Fouling was predominantly observed after pollutant passage, causing pore blockage.

Conclusions:

• Membrane modification with rGO, chitosan, and MgCl2 alters membrane properties, impacting performance.
• rGO modification enhances sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal efficiency.
• Understanding fouling mechanisms is key to optimizing membrane-based water treatment processes.