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Man GT, Albu PC, Nechifor AC, Grosu AR, Tanczos SK, Grosu VA, Ioan MR, Nechifor G. Thorium Removal, Recovery and Recycling: A Membrane Challenge for Urban Mining. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:765. [PMID: 37755188 PMCID: PMC10538078 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13090765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Although only a slightly radioactive element, thorium is considered extremely toxic because its various species, which reach the environment, can constitute an important problem for the health of the population. The present paper aims to expand the possibilities of using membrane processes in the removal, recovery and recycling of thorium from industrial residues reaching municipal waste-processing platforms. The paper includes a short introduction on the interest shown in this element, a weak radioactive metal, followed by highlighting some common (domestic) uses. In a distinct but concise section, the bio-medical impact of thorium is presented. The classic technologies for obtaining thorium are concentrated in a single schema, and the speciation of thorium is presented with an emphasis on the formation of hydroxo-complexes and complexes with common organic reagents. The determination of thorium is highlighted on the basis of its radioactivity, but especially through methods that call for extraction followed by an established electrochemical, spectral or chromatographic method. Membrane processes are presented based on the electrochemical potential difference, including barro-membrane processes, electrodialysis, liquid membranes and hybrid processes. A separate sub-chapter is devoted to proposals and recommendations for the use of membranes in order to achieve some progress in urban mining for the valorization of thorium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geani Teodor Man
- Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering Department, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.M.); (A.C.N.); (A.R.G.)
- National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies—ICSI, 240050 Râmnicu Valcea, Romania
| | - Paul Constantin Albu
- Radioisotopes and Radiation Metrology Department (DRMR), IFIN Horia Hulubei, 023465 Măgurele, Romania; (P.C.A.); (M.-R.I.)
| | - Aurelia Cristina Nechifor
- Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering Department, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.M.); (A.C.N.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Alexandra Raluca Grosu
- Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering Department, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.M.); (A.C.N.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Szidonia-Katalin Tanczos
- Department of Bioengineering, University Sapientia of Miercurea-Ciuc, 500104 Miercurea Ciuc, Romania;
| | - Vlad-Alexandru Grosu
- Department of Electronic Technology and Reliability, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 061071 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihail-Răzvan Ioan
- Radioisotopes and Radiation Metrology Department (DRMR), IFIN Horia Hulubei, 023465 Măgurele, Romania; (P.C.A.); (M.-R.I.)
| | - Gheorghe Nechifor
- Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering Department, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (G.T.M.); (A.C.N.); (A.R.G.)
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Kamali M, Ebrahimi A, Vatanpour V. New dithiocarbamate-based polymer (DTCP) as an additive to improve microporous polysulfone membrane efficiency in lead and dye removal. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 339:117925. [PMID: 37060696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
For fabricating a membrane with hydrophilic and complexing agent groups, a new dithiocarbamate-based polymer (DTCP) containing dithiocarbamate, thioamide, and ethereal oxygen groups was synthesized and blended in polysulfone (PSF) matrix with 1, 2, 5, and 10 wt% proportion. The membranes were produced by the nonsolvent induced phase separation method. For DTCP characterization, NMR, FTIR, TGA and GPC techniques were used. SEM images show that no morphological change can be seen even in 10 wt% blended membranes. AFM surface images show that the roughness of 5 and 10 wt% membranes extremely increased. The performance of the DTCP/PSF membranes were investigated in the separation of lead ions and Reactive Yellow 39 dye from the contaminated water. The outcomes indicated that by increasing the amount of DTCP up to 10 wt%, the pure water flux, bovine serum albumin flux, and the lead removal increased very efficiently compared to the bare one. Blending of more than 1 wt% DTCP, cause to removal of 99.6% lead ions. The water contact angle decreased by the adding of DTCP, caused to increase fouling resistance. The results of this research shows that the synthesized DTCP can be used as a good additive for improving membrane permeability, anti-fouling and especially heavy metal removal efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Kamali
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Kharazmi University, 15719-14911, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Asadollah Ebrahimi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Kharazmi University, 15719-14911, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Vatanpour
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Kharazmi University, 15719-14911, Tehran, Iran; National Research Center on Membrane Technologies, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Turkey
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Kertész S, Al-Tayawi AN, Gergely G, Ott B, Gulyás NS, Jákói Z, Beszédes S, Hodúr C, Szabó T, László Z. Investigation of Different Pre-Treatment Techniques and 3D Printed Turbulence Promoter to Mitigate Membrane Fouling in Dairy Wastewater Module. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:3117. [PMID: 37109952 PMCID: PMC10146657 DOI: 10.3390/ma16083117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the enhancement of dairy wastewater treatment using chemical and physical pre-treatments coupled with membrane separation techniques to reduce membrane fouling. Two mathematical models, namely the Hermia and resistance-in-series module, were utilized to comprehend the mechanisms of ultrafiltration (UF) membrane fouling. The predominant fouling mechanism was identified by fitting experimental data into four models. The study calculated and compared permeate flux, membrane rejection, and membrane reversible and irreversible resistance values. The gas formation was also evaluated as a post-treatment. The results showed that the pre-treatments improved UF efficiency for flux, retention, and resistance values compared to the control. Chemical pre-treatment was identified as the most effective approach to improve filtration efficiency. Physical treatments after microfiltration (MF) and UF showed better fluxes, retention, and resistance results than ultrasonic pre-treatment followed by UF. The efficacy of a three-dimensionally printed (3DP) turbulence promoter was also examined to mitigate membrane fouling. The integration of the 3DP turbulence promoter enhanced hydrodynamic conditions and increased the shear rate on the membrane surface, shortening filtration time and increasing permeate flux values. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing dairy wastewater treatment and membrane separation techniques, which can have significant implications for sustainable water resource management. The present outcomes clearly recommend the application of hybrid pre-, main- and post-treatments coupled with module-integrated turbulence promoters in dairy wastewater ultrafiltration membrane modules to increase membrane separation efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Kertész
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Szeged, Moszkvai Krt. 9, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Aws N. Al-Tayawi
- Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, University of Szeged, Tisza Lajos Krt. 103, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Mosul, Al-Majmoa’a Street, Mosul 41002, Iraq
| | - Gréta Gergely
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Szeged, Moszkvai Krt. 9, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bence Ott
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Szeged, Moszkvai Krt. 9, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Sz. Gulyás
- Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, University of Szeged, Tisza Lajos Krt. 103, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Jákói
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Szeged, Moszkvai Krt. 9, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences, University of Szeged, Tisza Lajos Krt. 103, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Beszédes
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Szeged, Moszkvai Krt. 9, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Cecilia Hodúr
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Szeged, Moszkvai Krt. 9, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Szabó
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Szeged, Rerrich Béla Tér. 1, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna László
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Szeged, Moszkvai Krt. 9, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
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Plisko T, Burts K, Penkova A, Dmitrenko M, Kuzminova A, Ermakov S, Bildyukevich A. Effect of the Addition of Polyacrylic Acid of Different Molecular Weights to Coagulation Bath on the Structure and Performance of Polysulfone Ultrafiltration Membranes. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15071664. [PMID: 37050278 PMCID: PMC10097043 DOI: 10.3390/polym15071664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane fouling is a serious issue in membrane technology which cannot be completely avoided but can be diminished. The perspective technique of membrane modification is the introduction of hydrophilic polymers or polyelectrolytes into the coagulation bath during membrane preparation via non-solvent-induced phase separation. The influence of polyacrylic acid (PAA) molecular weight (100,000, 250,000 and 450,000 g·mol−1) added to the aqueous coagulation bath (0.4–2.0 wt.%) on the polysulfone membrane structure, surface roughness, water contact angle and zeta potential of the selective layer, as well as the separation and antifouling performance, was systematically studied. It was found that membranes obtained via the addition of PAA with higher molecular weight feature smaller pore size and porosity, extremely high hydrophilicity and higher values of negative charge of membrane surface. It was shown that the increase in PAA concentration from 0.4 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% for all studied PAA molecular weights yielded a substantial decrease in water contact angle compared with the reference membrane (65 ± 2°) (from 27 ± 2° to 17 ± 2° for PAA with Mn = 100,000 g·mol−1; from 25 ± 2° to 16 ± 2° for PAA with Mn = 250,000 g·mol−1; and from 19 ± 2° to 10 ± 2° for PAA with Mn = 450,000 g·mol−1). An increase in PAA molecular weight from 100,000 to 450,000 g·mol−1 led to a decrease in membrane permeability, an increase in rejection and tailoring excellent antifouling performance in the ultrafiltration of humic acid solutions. The fouling recovery ratio increased from 73% for the reference membrane up to 91%, 100% and 136% for membranes modified with the addition to the coagulation bath of 1.5 wt.% of PAA with molecular weights of 100,000 g·mol−1, 250,000 g·mol−1 and 450,000 g·mol−1, respectively. Overall, the addition of PAA of different molecular weights to the coagulation bath is an efficient tool to adjust membrane separation and antifouling properties for different separation tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Plisko
- St. Petersburg State University, 7/9 Universitetskaya nab., 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Katsiaryna Burts
- St. Petersburg State University, 7/9 Universitetskaya nab., 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anastasia Penkova
- St. Petersburg State University, 7/9 Universitetskaya nab., 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mariia Dmitrenko
- St. Petersburg State University, 7/9 Universitetskaya nab., 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Kuzminova
- St. Petersburg State University, 7/9 Universitetskaya nab., 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergey Ermakov
- St. Petersburg State University, 7/9 Universitetskaya nab., 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexandr Bildyukevich
- Institute of Physical Organic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
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Ye Y, Han Q, Zhao C, Ke W, Qiu M, Chen X, Fan Y. Improved negative charge of tight ceramic ultrafiltration membranes for protein-resistant and easy-cleaning performance. Sep Purif Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.123082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Preparation and Characterization of Polyvinylalcohol/Polysulfone Composite Membranes for Enhanced CO 2/N 2 Separation. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 15:polym15010124. [PMID: 36616476 PMCID: PMC9823891 DOI: 10.3390/polym15010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polysulfone (PSf), such as good membrane-forming ability and adjustable structure, provide a great opportunity for CO2-separation membrane development. This work focuses on the fabrication of PVA/PSf composite membranes for CO2/N2 separations. The membranes prepared by coating a 7.5 wt% PVA on top of PSf substrate showed a relatively thin selective layer of 1.7 µm with an enhanced CO2/N2 selectivity of 78, which is a ca. 200% increase compared to the pure PSf membranes. The CO2/N2 selectivity decreases at a rapid rate with the increase of feed pressure from 1.8 to 5 bar, while the CO2 permeance shows a slight reduction, which is caused by the weakening of coupling transportation between water and CO2 molecules, as well as membrane compaction at higher pressures. Increasing operating temperature from 22 °C to 50 °C leads to a slight decrease in CO2 permeance, but a significant reduction in the CO2/N2 selectivity from 78 to 27.1. Moreover, the mass transfer coefficient of gas molecules is expected to increase at a higher velocity, which leads to the increase of CO2 permeance at higher feed flow rates. It was concluded that the CO2 separation performance of the prepared membranes was significantly dependent on the membrane operating parameters, and process design and optimization are crucial to bringing CO2-separation membranes for industrial applications in post-combustion carbon capture.
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Development of High Flux Nanocomposite Polyphenylsulfone/Oxidized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Membranes for Ultrafiltration Using the Systems with Critical Solution Temperatures. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12080724. [PMID: 35893442 PMCID: PMC9330833 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12080724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The study deals with the investigation of the effect of the modification of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) flat sheet membranes for ultrafiltration using oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (O-MWCNT) in order to enhance membrane permeability and antifouling performance. The effect of O-MWCNT loading to the PPSU-polyethylene glycol (PEG-20,000, Mn = 20,000 g·mol−1)-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30, Mn = 40,000 g·mol−1)-N-methy-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) colloid systems on the phase state and viscosity was studied. It was found that PPSU-PEG-20,000-PVP K-30-O-MWCNT-NMP colloid systems feature a gel point (T = 35–37 °C) and demixing temperature (T = 127–129 °C) at which two bulk phases are formed and a polymer system delaminates. According to the study of the phase state and viscosity of these colloid systems, a method for the preparation of high flux PPSU membranes is proposed which includes processing of the casting solution at the temperature higher than gel point (40 °C) and using a coagulation bath temperature lower than gel point (25 °C) or lower than demixing temperature (40 °C and 70 °C). Membrane structure, topology and hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle measurements. The effect of coagulation bath temperature and O-MWCNT concentration on the membrane separation and antifouling performance in ultrafiltration of human serum albumin and humic acids solutions was studied. It was found that the modification of PPSU ultrafiltration membranes by O-MWCNTs yielded the formation of a thinner selective layer and hydrophilization of the membrane surface (water contact angle decreased from 53–56° for the reference PPSU membrane down to 33° for the nanocomposite membrane with the addition of 0.19 wt.% O-MWCNT). These changes resulted in the increase in membrane flux (from 203–605 L·m−2·h−1 at transmembrane pressure of 0.1 MPa for the reference membrane up to 512–983 L·m−2·h−1 for nanocomposite membrane with the addition of 0.19 wt.% O-MWCNT depending on coagulation bath temperature) which significantly surpasses the performance of PPSU ultrafiltration membranes reported to date while maintaining a high level of human serum albumin rejection (83–92%). It was revealed that nanocomposite membrane demonstrated better antifouling performance (the flux recovery ratio increased from 47% for the reference PPSU membrane up to 62% for the nanocomposite membrane) and higher total organic carbon removal compared to the reference PPSU membrane in humic acids solution ultrafiltration.
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