Cellulose triacetate-based mixed matrix membranes for concurrent removal of arsenate and arsenite from groundwater

Abstract

Arsenic is one of the most dangerous groundwater contaminants whose effective removal is a major challenge for environmental scientists. Herein, several cellulose triacetate-based hybrid membranes are synthesized by adding different dosages (10, 30, and 50 wt%) of chitosan or chitosan-stabilized iron nanosheets. The fabricated membranes are characterized by advanced analytical tools such as AFM, SEM, FTIR, BET, TGA, zeta potential, and XRD. The enhancement in hydrophilicity and improved antifouling are evaluated by porosity, water uptake, contact angle, permeability tests, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) studies. At neutral pH, the cellulose triacetate-chitosan 50 % (CTA-CH 50 %) removed 85.13 % As(III) and 87.20 % As(V) at 67.23 L.m−2.h−1 permeability. On the other hand, cellulose triacetate-chitosan iron nanosheets 50 % (CTA-CIN 50 %) removed 91.30 % As(III) and 84.24 % As(V) at 62.35 L.m−2.h−1 permeability. The synthesized membranes efficiently removed arsenic from real groundwater taken from different Pakistani cities. The membranes are synthesized through a low-cost and scalable method, making it convenient for industrial-level applications.