Fabrication and Characterization of CTS/Coconut Composite Membranes Crosslinked with Glutaraldehyde for Elimination of Heavy Metal in Aqueous Solution

Truong Thi Cam Trang,Takaomi Kobayashi,Nguyen Quang Huy

doi:10.4236/jacen.2019.82006

Abstract

Chitosan/coconut (CTS/coconut) composite membranes were successfully prepared by the cross-linking reaction with glutaraldehyde and they were applied in eliminating heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The cross-linked membranes were obtained at the ratios of 1/1, 1/1.5 and 1/2 and the coconut fiber was chemically treated by NaOCl/NaOH. The best ratio of CTS/coconut fiber is found to be 1/1.5 which has a relatively high stability with the degree of swelling (DS) and solvent content (SC) of membrane to be 13.33% and 69.88%, respectively. The results also indicate that the CTS membranes showed preferential separation of heavy metals for blend CTS/coconut membranes.

Highlights

Today, trace metal pollution from industry is a serious threat to human health and the ecosystems due to toxicity, too vague and bioaccumulation in natural [1]
Chitosan/coconut (CTS/coconut) composite membranes were successfully prepared by the cross-linking reaction with glutaraldehyde and they were applied in eliminating heavy metals from aqueous solutions
The results indicate that the CTS membranes showed preferential separation of heavy metals for blend CTS/coconut membranes

Summary

Introduction

Trace metal pollution from industry is a serious threat to human health and the ecosystems due to toxicity, too vague and bioaccumulation in natural [1]. The application of treatment methods to reduce or eliminate heavy metals in water is crucial [2]. These methods have several disadvantages such as high reagent, unpredictable metal ion removal, generation of toxic sludge, etc. Adsorption process very simple, effective and versatile has become one of the most appropriate techniques, but this method has disadvantages such as small capacity, high cost, difficulty for large-scale application, etc. In 2011, a report showed the removal of some heavy metals Cu(II), Cd(II), Mn(II), Pb(II), As(III) and As(V) from aqueous solution using adsorption and nano-filtration membrane techniques [4] [5] [6]. By using CTS cross-linked membranes by several chemicals such as glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, sulfuric acid, the CTS/coconut membranes PV performance for elimination of heavy metals for water was investigated [10] [11] [12]

Chemicals and Reagents

Membrane Preparation

The Experiment of Heavy Metal Removal

Results and Discussion

Conclusion