Electrospun Biodegradable Bi-layered Microfiber Membrane for Aluminum Removal in Drinking Water
Aims: This study aimed to eliminate metallic contaminants in drinking water by using electrospunbilayered microfiber membrane. Background: Fast industrialization triggers environmental pollution. Heavy metals like silver, lead and aluminum are the major contaminants that are extremely toxic and accumulate in biological tissues through the food chain and cause a health hazard. Electrospinning is a promising technique among other conventional techniques. Electrospun membranes possess suitable properties for microfiltration purposes. In this study, to fabricate electrospun membranes, polycaprolactone (PCL) and zeolites were used as materials. PCL polymer is biocompatible and biodegradable, and zeolite ismicroporous, which is good for filtration or molecular sieving application. Method: Using the electrospinning technique, PCL, PCL/zeolite, PCL and PCL/zeolite bilayeredelectrospunmembranes were fabricated. The properties of the membranes were evaluated using different techniques. The performance of the membranes was tested by filtering Aluminum (Al)in drinking water. Results: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses confirmed the removal of Al using the membranes. ICP-OES results showed above 90% of Al removal using PCL and PCL/zeolite electrospun membrane. Conclusion: These membranes are non-toxic and biodegradable and have the potential to be used for microfiltration purposes.