Impact of Montmorillonite Clay on Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membrane for Heavy Metal Adsorption

Exposure to high levels of heavy metals exerts serious health hazards humankind. It is, hence, imperative limit exposure by avoiding their consumption, direct or indirect, and appropriately disposing items that may contain metals. To explore removal efficacy, montmorillonite (MMT), a type clay, was prepared at varying dosages (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 wt%) fabricate polysulfone mixed matrix membranes for treating aqueous solution contaminated with cadmium lead. The are characterized scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), energy dispersive X-rays (EDX), water uptake test, pure flux calculation, metal adsorption test. particle size distribution MMT is first measured covering the range 1 42 μm. FTIR spectra MMT-filled indicate silica functional group dominates elemental composition. revealed modified design improves 83% compared pristine membrane. MMM membrane fastest among ~2500 L/m2·h most porous porosity 10%. Heavy rejection measurement shows can remove lead 3% 14%, respectively. Furthermore, all show solute more than 500 L/m2·h. incorporation has successfully altered become high-flux capable cadmium- lead-rich water. Further study needed utilize treat wastewater.