New low-cost tubular ceramic microfiltration membrane based on natural sand for tangential urban wastewater treatment

In wastewater treatment, the development of low-cost separation methods is of signifi-cant importance. Low-cost membranes based on natural materials have become a highly active research topic in recent years. Herein, using low-cost natural Moroccan sand, new ceramic supports have been developed and characterized using different techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), along with scanning electron microscope (SEM). Plastic paste (average particle size < 125 mm) was blended with organic additives and water, then the obtained paste was extruded into porous tubular supports. The support had a porosity of 43%, water permeability of 1928 L/h m(2) bar, excellent chemical and mechanical properties and an average pore diameter in the range of 8-15 mm after firing at 950 ?/2 h. As per SEM analysis, the tubular supports had a smooth and crack-free surface. The slip casting process was used to create a microfiltration layer from the same natural sand powder (average particle size < 63 mm) using a mixture of powder sand, water, and polyvinyl alcohol solution. The water permeability of the microfiltration membrane sin-tered at 950 & DEG;C/2 h was 1052 L/h m2 bar, the average pore size diameter was about 0.90 mm and 82% of pores had a diameter < 1.00 mm. The obtained microfiltration membrane was tested for the treatment of urban wastewater. The membrane showed excellent separation performance in turbidity removal and chemical oxygen demand.(c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.

Automated summary

The development of low-cost membranes based on natural materials for wastewater treatment is of significant importance. This study successfully prepared ceramic supports and microfiltration membranes using low-cost natural Moroccan sand, which exhibited excellent separation performance.