Abstract
Herein, this paper details a comprehensive review on the biopolymeric membrane applications in micropollutants’ removal from wastewater. As such, the implications of utilising non-biodegradable membrane materials are outlined. In comparison, considerations on the concept of utilising nanostructured biodegradable polymeric membranes are also outlined. Such biodegradable polymers under considerations include biopolymers-derived cellulose and carrageenan. The advantages of these biopolymer materials include renewability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness when compared to non-biodegradable polymers. The modifications of the biopolymeric membranes were also deliberated in detail. This included the utilisation of cellulose as matrix support for nanomaterials. Furthermore, attention towards the recent advances on using nanofillers towards the stabilisation and enhancement of biopolymeric membrane performances towards organic contaminants removal. It was noted that most of the biopolymeric membrane applications focused on organic dyes (methyl blue, Congo red, azo dyes), crude oil, hexane, and pharmaceutical chemicals such as tetracycline. However, more studies should be dedicated towards emerging pollutants such as micropollutants. The biopolymeric membrane performances such as rejection capabilities, fouling resistance, and water permeability properties were also outlined.
Highlights
IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
In an attempt to improve the hydrophilicity and rejection capacity of cellulose acetate, De Guzman et al [172] incorporated polydopamine-sulfobetain nanoparticles, which improved the hydrophilicity of the membrane
Organic micropollutants are a threat to the environment across terrestrial and aquatic environments
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Emerging contaminants have been overlooked for the longest time and limited studies have been conducted on their detection and remediation as emerging contaminant threats [2,3]. This is especially because few researchers are concerned about the adverse effects of micropollutants. In this review, membrane technology is discussed to cater for its challenges and success in the removal capacity of organic micropollutants from water. Secondary pollution occurs because of the disposal of the remnants of membranes and/or adsorbents after use These plastics that remain further pollute the available water suitable for drinking. Strategies that can improve biopolymeric membrane properties are discussed
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