Decolorization of Dyeing Effl uent by Novel Ultrafi ltration Ceramic Membrane from Low Cost Natural Material

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the application of new low cost ceramic ultrafi ltration membranes material coming from the Tunisian ores (mud) which is usually considered as disastrous for the environment. A ceramic tubular support previously elaborated from mud was coated in the lumen side by slip casting method. After sintering at 650°C, the coated membrane shows homogeneous layer without cracks, with a pore diameter of 11 nm. The coating has the thickness of ~9 µm and water permeability of the prepared membrane is 90 L/h.m2.bar. Then the prepared membrane has been applied for treating of dyeing wastewater under 5 bar pressure. The result was interesting with a permeate fl ux of 65 l/h.m2, pollutants retention rate of 90% for COD and almost a total retention of turbidity and color, respectively. The membrane can then be regenerated by using a chemical washing.