Comparison of cellulose acetate (CA) membrane and novel CA membranes containing surface modifying macromolecules to remove pharmaceutical and personal care product micropollutants from drinking water

► A new charged surface modifying macromolecule (CSMM) is synthesized with sulfonated groups in the soft segment as well as at the end groups. ► The membrane properties are correlated with their performances on removal of pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP) micropollutants. ► The main removal mechanism by these membranes is size exclusion and the charge repulsion also plays a role. ► The addition of CSMM only improved the removal of one PPCP.