Effect of Additive on the Structure and Performance of PVDF Hollow Fibre Membrane on Phosphorus Removal

Abstract

Similar to plants, algae are tiny creatures that inhabit watery settings and use photosynthesis to harness the energy of the sun. Depending on the kind of algae, the excessive growth, or algal bloom, can be green, blue-green, red, or brown and becomes apparent to the human eye. The phenomena are caused by excessive phosphorus in the water body. There are many methods including chemical removal, advanced biological treatment, or a combination of the two methods can remove phosphorus from wastewater. Calcium, iron, and aluminum salts are added as part of the chemical removal of phosphorus in order to achieve phosphorus precipitation by a variety of methods that are explained. However, despite the efficient chemical phosphorus removal systems, it is important to note that they may increase sludge production rates and need additional storage requirements. Using hollow fibre ultrafiltration membrane has great potential to be the alternative in treating. This study observes the effect of TiO2 as additive on the structure and performance of PVDF hollow fiber membrane for phosphorus removal. A comparative study between 0 wt% and 0.5 wt% of TiO2 with a 16 wt% and 84 wt% of polymer and solvent respectively are used in designing and fabricating the hollow fibre membrane. The morphology, water contact angle and pure water flux were being observed. The presence of nanoparticles as additive in membrane enhance the structure and performance of the hollow fiber membrane by forming more porous structure, nano pore size for nanofiltration, increase the permeability and hydrophilicity nature, increase pure water flux and increase fouling resistance that capable to remove phosphorus in wastewater treatment.

Keywords

• Hollow fiber membrane
• Hydrophilic
• Nanofiltration
• Phosphorus