Modification And Characterization Of The Polysulfon-polietilene Glycol (PEG) Membrane With The Addition Of Bener Meriah's Natural Bentonite As A River Water Filtration
Introduction
The increasing demand for clean water has led to the development of various water filtration technologies. One of the most promising approaches is the use of modified membranes, which can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the filtration process. In this study, we investigated the modification and characterization of polysulfone-polietilene glycol (PEG) membranes with the addition of Bener Meriah's natural bentonite as a river water filtration system.
Background
Polysulfone membranes have been widely used in water filtration applications due to their high flux and rejection rates. However, their performance can be improved by modifying their structure and composition. The addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the polysulfone membrane has been shown to enhance its hydrophilicity and reduce its fouling tendency. On the other hand, bentonite, a natural clay mineral, has been used as an adsorbent to remove contaminants and suspended particles from water.
Materials and Methods
In this study, we prepared six different membranes with varying concentrations of bentonite (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) using a combination of 15% polysulfone and 15% PEG. The membranes were fabricated using the phase inversion technique through the immersion method, resulting in a membrane with a thickness range of 0.13 mm to 0.32 mm. The characterization of the membranes was carried out using various analytical methods, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The flux testing was performed using a dead-end system, and the analysis parameters used to measure river water quality included turbidity, pH, total suspended solids (tss), and total dissolved solids (TDS).
Results
The surface analysis of the M1 membrane (polysulfone-peg) showed that the membrane had large pores but was not tight enough, with an accumulation of scattered pore groups. In contrast, the surface of the M4 membrane (polysulfone-peg-bentonite 15%) showed smaller and tighter pores without the accumulation of pores. The TGA analysis revealed that the addition of bentonite increased the thermal resistance of the membrane. The flux test showed that the M4 membrane had the optimum flux value of 11.47 l.m⁻².jam⁻¹. The results of the river water parameters analysis after the filtration process showed a decrease in turbidity, pH, tss, and TDS levels for all modified membranes.
Discussion
The use of a modified membrane with the addition of bentonite is an innovative step in improving the quality of river water filtration. Bentonite, known for its good adsorption ability, helps in reducing contaminants and suspended particles in water. By utilizing local materials such as bentonite from Bener Meriah, this approach is not only environmentally friendly but also supports the use of local resources on a sustainable manner.
The characterization process carried out, such as FTIR and SEM-EDX, provides a clear picture of the structure and composition of the membrane. FTIR can identify the presence of new chemical bonds formed by modification, while SEM-EDX provides visual information about the morphology of the surface of the membrane. It is essential to understand how the physical and chemical changes of the membrane can affect filtration performance.
Flux tests that show optimal results on the M4 membrane are very important, considering that high flux shows good efficiency in the filtration process. By minimizing the decline in flow, the use of this membrane can be a more practical and economical solution in the application of river water filtering.
Conclusion
The modification of the polysulfone membrane with the addition of bentonite produces better filtration performance and is feasible to be applied to a larger scale. This research opens opportunities for further development in the field of water filtration technology, as well as the potential for the use of sustainable local natural resources.
Future Directions
The use of modified membranes with the addition of bentonite has shown promising results in improving the quality of river water filtration. Future studies can focus on optimizing the composition and structure of the membrane to further enhance its performance. Additionally, the use of other local natural resources can be explored to develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly water filtration technologies.
References
- [1] A. A. A. A. (2020). Modification of Polysulfone Membranes with Polyethylene Glycol for Water Filtration Applications. Journal of Membrane Science, 1-12.
- [2] B. B. B. (2019). Bentonite as an Adsorbent for Water Treatment: A Review. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C, 37(1), 1-15.
- [3] C. C. C. (2020). Characterization of Polysulfone-Polietilene Glycol (PEG) Membranes for Water Filtration Applications. Journal of Membrane Science, 1-12.
Note: The references provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.
Q: What is the purpose of modifying the polysulfone membrane with the addition of bentonite?
A: The purpose of modifying the polysulfone membrane with the addition of bentonite is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the filtration process. Bentonite, a natural clay mineral, has been used as an adsorbent to remove contaminants and suspended particles from water.
Q: What are the benefits of using a modified membrane with the addition of bentonite?
A: The benefits of using a modified membrane with the addition of bentonite include improved filtration performance, reduced fouling tendency, and increased thermal resistance. Additionally, the use of local materials such as bentonite from Bener Meriah makes this approach environmentally friendly and supports the use of local resources on a sustainable manner.
Q: How does the addition of bentonite affect the structure and composition of the membrane?
A: The addition of bentonite can alter the structure and composition of the membrane, resulting in smaller and tighter pores, and increased thermal resistance. This can improve the filtration performance and reduce the fouling tendency of the membrane.
Q: What are the advantages of using a dead-end system for flux testing?
A: The advantages of using a dead-end system for flux testing include simplicity, ease of operation, and low cost. Additionally, the dead-end system allows for the measurement of the flux of the membrane under a wide range of operating conditions.
Q: How does the characterization process, such as FTIR and SEM-EDX, provide a clear picture of the structure and composition of the membrane?
A: The characterization process, such as FTIR and SEM-EDX, provides a clear picture of the structure and composition of the membrane by identifying the presence of new chemical bonds formed by modification, and providing visual information about the morphology of the surface of the membrane.
Q: What are the implications of the results of the river water parameters analysis after the filtration process?
A: The results of the river water parameters analysis after the filtration process show a decrease in turbidity, pH, tss, and TDS levels for all modified membranes. This indicates that the modified membrane with the addition of bentonite is effective in removing contaminants and suspended particles from water.
Q: What are the future directions for this research?
A: The future directions for this research include optimizing the composition and structure of the membrane to further enhance its performance, and exploring the use of other local natural resources to develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly water filtration technologies.
Q: What are the potential applications of this research?
A: The potential applications of this research include the development of more efficient and effective water filtration systems for various industries, such as municipal water treatment, industrial process water treatment, and wastewater treatment.
Q: What are the limitations of this research?
A: The limitations of this research include the use of a limited number of membrane samples, and the need for further optimization of the membrane composition and structure to achieve optimal performance.
Q: What are the potential risks associated with the use of modified membranes with the addition of bentonite?
A: The potential risks associated with the use of modified membranes with the addition of bentonite include the potential for increased fouling tendency, and the need for further testing to ensure the safety and efficacy of the membrane in various applications.
Note: The questions and answers provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.