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 toharness the energy of the sun. Depending on the kind of algae, the excessive growth, or algal bloom, can begreen, blue-green, red, or brown and becomes apparent to the human eye. The phenomena are caused byexcessive phosphorus in the water body. There are many methods including chemical removal, advancedbiological 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 achievephosphorus precipitation by a variety of methods that are explained. However, despite the efficient chemicalphosphorus removal systems, it is important to note that they may increase sludge production rates and needadditional storage requirements. Using hollow fibre ultrafiltration membrane has great potential to be thealternative in treating. This study observes the effect of TiO2 as additive on the structure and performance ofPVDF hollow fiber membrane for phosphorus removal. A comparative study between 0 wt% and 0.5 wt% ofTiO2 with a 16 wt% and 84 wt% of polymer and solvent respectively are used in designing and fabricating thehollow fibre membrane. The morphology, water contact angle and pure water flux were being observed. Thepresence of nanoparticles as additive in membrane enhance the structure and performance of the hollow fibermembrane by forming more porous structure, nano pore size for nanofiltration, increase the permeability andhydrophilicity nature, increase pure water flux and increase fouling resistance that capable to removephosphorus in wastewater treatment.