Separation of Mercury(II) from Industrial Wastewater through Polymer Inclusion Membranes with Calix[4]pyrrole Derivative

Polymer membranes with immobilized ligands are encouraging alternatives for the removal of toxic metal ions from aquatic waste streams, including industrial wastewater, in view of their high selectivity, stability, removal efficacy and low energy demands. In this study, polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) based on cellulose triacetate, with a calix[4]pyrrole derivative as an ion carrier, were tested for their capability to dispose mercury (Hg(II)) ions from industrial wastewater. The impacts were assessed relative to carrier content, the quantity of plasticizer in the membrane, the hydrocholoric acid concentration in the source phase, and the character of the receiving phase on the performance of Hg(II) elimination. Optimally designed PIMs could be an interesting option for the industrial wastewater treatment due to the high removal efficiency of Hg(II) and great repeatability.

Automated summary

This study tested the capability of polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) with a calix[4]pyrrole derivative as an ion carrier to dispose mercury ions from industrial wastewater and evaluated the factors affecting its removal efficiency. The results showed that optimally designed PIMs had high removal efficiency of mercury ions and excellent repeatability.