Incorporation of graphene oxide into zwitterion containing polyethersulfone membranes to minimize fouling during the remediation of abattoir wastewater

Abstract

• Zwitterionic mixed matrix membranes had an improved hydrophilicity. • Grafting of zwitterionic groups resulted in a partial increase in pore size due to the quickened demixing during coagulation. • Optimization of GO and pSBMA ratios is the influencing factor on the filtration efficiency of the MMMs. • The blended the membranes showed improved pure water flux and anti-fouling properties. • Coagulation used as a pre-treatment step improved the reusability potential of the fabricated membrane. Abattoir industry is one of the fastest-growing due to the rising demand for meat with concomitant increase is complex wastewater discharge that is difficult to treat. This necessitates for efficient wastewater remedial processes. This study described the impact of incorporating graphene oxide (GO) in zwitterionic-grafted PES polymer for the fabrication of mixed matrix membranes (MMM) less prone-to-fouling. The fabricated MMM exhibited enhanced water flux (144.44 to 504.76 L m −2 h −1 at 300 kPa and 52.38 to 184.129 L m −2 h −1 at the lowest pressure of 100 kPa), hydrophilicity (74.10° to 33.66°), solute rejection (93.33 to 99.6 %), and fouling resistance (82 % at the sixth cycle). Furthermore, it was observed that at all ratios GO and grafted zwitterion used, the membranes’ morphological analysis indicated exceptional compatibility. These membranes were assessed for abattoir wastewater treatment, using up to six filtration cycles were the membranes showed good flux recovery (<80 %). The quality of the water was followed using pH, turbidity, TDS, TOC, and conductivity. Herein it was found that the zwitterionic MMM had relatively higher antifouling and rejection properties. Finally, the surface fouling was followed using SEM analysis. These membranes potentially offer longer lifespan and produce high-quality effluent, both which are a critical financial consideration.