Polyethersulfone/Chromolaena odorata (PES/CO) adsorptive membranes for removal of Congo red from water. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zwane, Simphiwe; Masheane, Monaheng L.; Kuvarega, Alex T.; Vilakati, Gcina D.; Mamba, Bhekie B.; Nyoni, Hlengilizwe; Mhlanga, Sabelo D.; Dlamini, Derrick S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of water process engineering. Volume 30(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Adsorptive membranes -- C. odorata -- Congo red -- Phase inversion -- Polyethersulfone; Water-supply engineering -- Periodicals; Saline water conversion -- Periodicals; Seawater -- Distillation -- Periodicals; Sanitary engineering -- Periodicals; Sewage -- Purification -- Periodicals; 627
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2017.09.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-7144

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Adsorption and equilibrium water content percentages of the different types of PES membranes synthesized in this study. Highlights: Biomass extracted particles incorporated membranes has led to revolutionary advances in wastewater treatment. Good potential to realize the sustainable development of current membranes. Challenges delaying large-scale implementation by industry. More research needed in adsorptive membranes and plant materials. Abstract: The demand for manufacturing and application of dyes and pigments in textile industries is increasing. Almost a quarter of the dyes used are discharged as wastewater and some of them are difficult to treat due to their complex structures. Herein, the adsorption of Congo red dye from aqueous solutions was conducted using natural, low cost, easy available and environmentally friendly materials such as stems from Chromolaena odorata ( C. odorata or CO), an alien invasive plant species in Southern Africa. The adsorption of Congo red dye was investigated in a series of batch experiments to study the effect of contact time, initial concentration, and initial pH on adsorption efficiency. PES/CO adsorbent-based membranes were fabricated using the phase inversion method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that PES/CO membranes had hydrophilic functional groups. Addition of C. odorata in PES significantly decreased the surface charge of the prepared membranes by 93%. Dye adsorption percentages of 92%, 27% and 84% were recorded for the C. odorata particles, PES membranes and hybrid PES/CO membranes at pH 6 respectively. The Langmuir-Frendlich isotherms revealed that the adsorption of Congo red occurred on the heterogeneous surface through formation of a multilayer. The adsorption kinetics model suggested that diffusion was a rate-determining step in the adsorption process.