Removal of chromium from aqueous solution using cellulose acetate and sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) blend ultrafiltration membranes

A process for purifying aqueous solutions containing heavy and toxic metals such as chromium has been investigated. Chromium salts are largely used in various industries including leather-manufacturing industry. Ultrafiltration processes are largely being applied for macromolecular and heavy metal ion separation from aqueous streams. Cellulose acetate and sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) blend ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by precipitation phase inversion technique in 100/0, 90/10, 80/20 and 70/30% polymer blend compositions and subjected to the rejection of chromium at different concentrations such as 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm with a water-soluble macroligand (polyvinylalcohol). Factors affecting the percentage rejection and permeate flux such as pH, concentration of solute, concentration of PVA, transmembrane pressure and composition of blend membranes were investigated. It was found that percentage rejection improved at a pH 6 and a macroligand concentration of 2 wt.%. The transmembrane pressure and concentration of solute also have an effect on the separation and product rate efficiencies of the blend membranes.