Abstract
Mixed-matrix electrospun membranes were developed to investigate ammonium removal from low ammonium concentration wastewaters for the first time. Particles derived from the inexpensive zeolite 13X were successfully incorporated into polyethersulfone (PES) matrices. The fabricated mixed-matrix electrospun membranes demonstrate high ammonium removal capacity reaching over 55 mg/gzeolite, more than 2.5 times higher than the previously fabricated mixed-matrix membranes via non-solvent induced phase inversion. Moreover, the membranes fabricated exhibit high permeability and ease of regeneration. Over 90% of total ammonium nitrogen (TAN) can be removed from low TAN wastewaters such as aquaculture wastewaters. In addition to zeolite 13X, other zeolite particles including zeolite Y, zeolite 3A and 4A were also incorporated into the membrane matrix. The inexpensive zeolite 13X show the highest ammonium exchange capacity. Particle type, loading and the level of its dispersion all affect TAN removal capacity.
Highlights
The biological production of ammonia (NH3) is part of the natural metabolic process across all fauna, from humans to fish
Our results indicate that the higher the amount of zeolite particles incorporated, the higher the capacity of the mixed-matrix membrane for removing ammonium ion via ion-exchange
Adsorption capacity is strongly dependent on the experimental condition including the ratio of zeolite to total ammonia nitrogen (TAN)
Summary
The biological production of ammonia (NH3) is part of the natural metabolic process across all fauna, from humans to fish. Ammonia is a major protein metabolite released to the environment. It is an essential nutrient for plants and a key component of the nitrogen cycle. Municipal wastewater treatment typically employs aerobic process to convert TAN to nitrite (NO2−) and further to nitrate (NO3−). The biological conversion process is generally effective once established but slow. It does take a long time to establish the bacterial culture during the initial start-up phase. It may be ineffective when there is a sudden surge of TAN in the wastewater as biological conversion is slow
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