Phenol and ammonia removal in petroleum refinery wastewater using a poly(vinyl) alcohol coated polysulfone nanohybrid membrane

Petroleum refinery wastewater (PRW) contains high concentrations of phenolic compounds and ammonia that are noxious and harmful to the environment, especially to human health. The improper treatment of PRW could cause serious problems. In this study, a membrane with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coating was fabricated to improve PRW treatment for phenolic compounds and ammonia removal. The fabricated membranes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle, mechanical strength, permeability, pollutant rejection, and foulant resistance. The coated membranes exhibited improved surface properties and mechanical strength compared to that of uncoated pristine polysulfone (PSI) membranes. The membranes also showed excellent phenol and ammonia removal up to 82.68 % and 92.42 %, respectively. Although the permeate flux decreased with increasing PVA concentration, the antifouling behavior of the membrane was significantly improved. Therefore, the fabricated membranes showed great potential for petroleum wastewater treatment.

Automated summary

The treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater is crucial for environmental and human health, and in this study, membranes with a PVA coating were fabricated to improve the removal of phenolic compounds and ammonia. The coated membranes showed enhanced surface properties, mechanical strength, and excellent removal efficiency of phenol and ammonia. Despite a decrease in permeate flux with increased PVA concentration, the antifouling behavior of the membrane was significantly improved, showing great potential for petroleum wastewater treatment.