Mixed-Matrix Membrane Adsorbers for the Simultaneous Removal of Different Pharmaceutical Micropollutants from Water

Abstract

The lack of a complete removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from water by conventional wastewater treatment plants requires additional separation processes. In this work, the ability of mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) adsorbers for the simultaneous removal of pharmaceuticals was investigated using three types of strong anion-exchange particles. Diclofenac (DCF), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), carbamazepine (CBZ), and metoprolol (MTP) were used as model substances because they have medical relevance and different chemical characteristics. Spherical nonporous and porous polymer adsorbent particles were synthesized by emulsion and miniemulsion polymerization, respectively, followed by polymer-analogous functionalization. In addition, a commercially available, ground polymer gel ion-exchange adsorbent was used. Adsorption properties of the anion-exchange particles were determined for individual substances and multicomponent mixtures and analyzed via Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. All particles showed an excellent adsorption of DCF, revealing Freundlich constants (K F) up to 278 (mg g–1/mg L–1) n . Furthermore, the use of either nonporous or porous adsorber particles enabled the removal of DCF with high adsorption capacities simultaneously with SMX or CBZ, respectively. MMM adsorbers were prepared by incorporation of the adsorber particles into porous poly­(vinylidene fluoride) hollow fiber membranes via wet spinning. Dynamic adsorption measurements using the MMM adsorbers for pharmaceuticals at 5 mg L–1 in tap water revealed adsorption capacities up to 13.7 g m–2 (relative to the membrane filter area) for DCF while SMX was adsorbed simultaneously with a capacity of 0.60 g m–2.

Chemical Regeneration of Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for Micropollutant Removal from Wastewater

“…The resulting maximum loading of the MCMMM after 8 h amounted to 9.5 g/m 2 for the three micropollutants DCF, CBM and PAR. In comparison, the embedding of polymeric absorbers into hollow fibers for the removal of DCF, CBM, sulfamethoxazole and metoprolol, resulted in comparable micropollutant‐to‐filtration‐area ratios after 8 h of up to 13.7 g m −2 89. In addition, a study by Neris at al.…”

An Overview of Treatments for Ultraviolet Quenching Substances (UVQS) and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Removal from Landfill Leachate

“…This coincidence suggests that future landfill leachate studies should explore these treatment techniques to remove PFAS and UVQS simultaneously. As said in the Introduction Section, there are no studies on the simultaneous removal of PFAS and UVQS from landfill leachate; however, some research on adsorption or membrane-based processes has proved that these techniques are very efficient for the simultaneous removal of very different types of pollutants from wastewaters [139][140][141][142][143][144]. These observations justify the suggestion for future studies on the simultaneous removal of PFAS and UVQS from landfill leachate.…”

Insights into the Adsorption Properties of Mixed Matrix Membranes (Pebax 1657-g-Chitosan-PVDF-Bovine Serum Albumin@ZIF-CO3-1) for the Antiviral COVID-19 Treatment Drugs Remdesivir and Nirmatrelvir: An In Silico Study

“…MMMs have demonstrated significant potential in removing pharmaceutical pollutants from wastewater. − The combination of organic and inorganic materials in MMMs has resulted in improved performance, such as enhanced permeability and selectivity, increased stability, high adsorption capacity, tailored properties, and low energy consumption, making them a promising technology for water treatment applications. − They can be customized to target specific contaminants and adapt to different conditions. Despite their efficiency, MMMs are cost-effective with a longer lifespan.…”