All-green Cellulose acetate/corn-cob Composite Membrane Filter with Combative Dye and Heavy Metal Adsorption Property

Abstract

From ancient times water bodies witnessed expel of a large number of pollutants and heavy metals from the nearest industries. To alleviate this concern wastewater from all industrial sectors requires treatment before discharging into natural water streams. Inspired by the natural adsorbent ‘corn-cob’ a novel all-green corn-cob/cellulose acetate (MCAPCB) composite membrane filter has been developed. The corn-cob, a food waste obtained after the consumption of corn acts as a filler as well as an adsorbent in the cellulose acetate membrane (MCA). The corn cob powder (PCB) and the alkali/hydrogen peroxide treated corn cob powder (TPCB) were incorporated into the MCA at various compositions and comparative dye adsorption capacities were analyzed. It was observed that 20 % PCB can be incorporated into the cellulose matrix without affecting the flexibility of the membrane. 0.5 grams of 20% TPCB incorporated CA membrane (MCATPCB20) achieved the highest methylene blue adsorption performance up to 97.46. 20% PCB incorporated CA membrane (MCAPCB20) exhibited adsorption of methylene blue up to 80.15% from the water. The adsorption efficiency of MCATPCB20 has been enhanced due to the increase in carboxyl content after the bleaching of PCB. The atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP-MS) studies of feed and filtrate solutions after microfiltration through MCATPCB20 proved that the developed films can be harnessed into an excellent material for cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) heavy metal adsorption. These results reveal that MCATPCB is a green, sustainable, effective, and efficient filter system for water purification.