Removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions using polymer membranes and polymer adsorbants

In this study separation of Fe(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated using filtration technique. Polyvinyl alcohol / cellulose composite membranes were used in the retention. Alginic acid and polyvinyl alcohol polymers were used as complexing agents to enhance the retention. In addition, the adsorption behavior of PMMA co EA towards Fe(III) solutions was studied. In the filtration of Fe(III) solutions, the effects of pressure, PVA content of membranes, stirred velocity and pH on the retention and the flux were examined. The optimum retention was found as 82 % for Fe(III) solution at the stirred velocity of 1,5, pressure of 60 Psi, pH of 3 in the presence of AA as complexing agent using 0,25 % PVA (m/v) / cellulose composite membranes. In the filtration of Cu(II) solutions, the effects of pH and pressure on the retention and the flux were studied. The optimum retention was found as 44 % for Cu(II) solution at the stirred velocity of 1,5, pressure of 60 Psi, pH of 7, in the presence of PVA by using 0,25 % PVA (m/v) / cellulose composite membranes. Aqueous solution of Zn(II) were filtrated at different pH and contents of the membranes. The optimum retention for Zn(II) was found as 52 % using 0,25 % PVA (m/v) / cellulose composite membranes when filtration was carried out in the presence of AA at pH 7, pressure of 60 Psi and stirred velocity of 1,5. The maximum adsorption of PMMA co EA towards Fe(III) solutions was found as 60 % at pH 5, stirred velocity 2 and contact time of 60 minutes.