Bisphenol a Removal by Nanofiltration Process

Abstract

It is well known that bisphenol A(BPA), as one EDC, has an oestrogenic effect, causing an abnormal increase in the growth of yeast cell in polycarbonate flasks. Moreover, BPA significantly contributes to the environment problem, as evidenced by a number of recent studies[1](Inoue et al., 2003). This study examined the ability of nanofiltration (NF) membranes to retain bisphenol A(BPA). In the study, BPA retention was quantified by liquid chromatography. The effect of solution chemistry, inorganic matter and pH were investigated on the rejection of BPA and its adsorption on membranes. The results indicate that BPA has a high adsorptive affinity for the membrane and more than 80% of BPA was absorbed on the membrane surface. In addition, the increase of initial BPA concentration has negative effect on BPA rejection. It also indicates that the removal of BPA is higher with lower BPA concentrations. In addition, the rejection of BPA decreases with the increase of pH when pH < 7 and increases with the increase of pH when pH ≥ 7. The experimental results of ionic strength indicate there is a slight decrease in the rejection of BPA when the ionic strength increases.