Green synthesis of an advanced composite membrane for the purification of water contaminated with potentially toxic metals

Author(s)

Tischer, Ana Maria ; Ferreira, Rafaela Reis ; Ribeiro, Joao Gabriel ; Rosa, Derval dos Santos ; Paulino, Alexandre Tadeu

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING; v. 61, p. 12-pg., 2024-04-13.

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities can lead to high contents of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil and water. Thus, there is a worldwide need to find effective, environmentally friendly sorbents for remediating sites polluted with metals. In this study, we investigated how pectin/magnetite/pine sawdust (PE/Fe3O4 /P) membranes serve as sorbents for the removal of Cd(II), Cr(VI), Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) from aqueous media containing multiple metals. Fourier -transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the efficient formation of crosslinked membrane chains during the synthesis of the biomass material. Thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) curves revealed that the biopolymer matrix remains stable at low temperatures and begins to degrade at temperatures above 260 (degrees) C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to energy -dispersive Xray spectroscopy (EDS) demonstrated changes in the morphology of the biomembrane. Among the six PTEs tested, the PE/Fe3O4 /P5% membrane had the highest sorption capacity for Cu(II) (similar to 43 mg g (-1) ). The metal/membrane interaction was confirmed by FTIR, TG, DTG, SEM, and EDS after the sorption assays. The findings of this work indicate that green sorbents constitute a promising strategy for the remediation of aquatic environments contaminated with PTEs. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/14714-1 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2020/13703-3: Cromatógrafo de Íons Modular 940 Professional IC Vario
• Grantee: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 23/04147-8 - PBAT membranes containing modified cellulose nanostructures for removal and recovery of metallic ions from wastewater
• Grantee: João Gabriel Ribeiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 20/13703-3 - Environmentally friendly porous materials for the recovery and revaluation of metals reclaimed from contaminated water
• Grantee: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/01382-3 - Cellulose hydrogels containing modified clays for the removal and recovery of metal ions present in contaminated water
• Grantee: Rafaela Reis Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate