Recent Advances in Biopolymeric Membranes towards the Removal of Emerging Organic Pollutants from Water

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.

Floating TiO2-Cork Nano-Photocatalysts for Water Purification Using Sunlight

“…After both biological processes, the dense microbial biomass is separated from water by secondary sedimentation. The advanced oxidation methods include ozone, O 3 /H 2 O 2 , H 2 O 2 /UV, Fenton, ultrasound, photocatalytic, and electrochemical oxidation [7][8][9]. Nevertheless, the use of green and cost-effective technologies for the treatment of pollutants and remediation of water, such as in photocatalysis, particularly making full use of the abundance of solar energy, is therefore of utmost importance [10][11][12].…”

Removal of Contaminants from Water by Membrane Filtration: A Review

“…However, this technology has some drawbacks, such as concentration polarization and membrane fouling, low membrane lifetime, and low selectivity and flux. These obstacles can be overcome by designing membranes with different types of morphologies, requiring different biological, chemical, and physical properties according to the type of application [20][21][22][23].…”

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-controlled in vitro calcium phosphate biomineralization

“…This process is highly dependent on the tuned temperature. 3,4 Upon heating above the clouding temperatures, hydrogen bonds are weakened, and clusters are formed by random entanglement and cross-links of macromolecular chains. The hydrophobic zones of the polymer can be connected, leading to the formation of a three-dimensional gel.…”

“…Cellulose ethers are one of the main cellulose derivatives that are produced by substitution of hydroxyl groups to methyl, hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropylmethyl functional groups within the macromolecular backbone. [1][2][3] It has been demonstrated in previous studies that these changes can decrease the crystallinity of cellulose, whereas the water solubility and gelation properties can be improved. 4,5 Among the cellulose ethers, HPMC has been a well-known biopolymer with application in different industries including constructions, ceramics, plastics, foods, textiles and pharmaceuticals.…”