Preparation of poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate)/cellulose composite membranes and their application in wastewater treatment

In this study, new poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate)/cellulose composite membranes were prepared firstly and then characterized. Then they were used in the removal of Fe(III) and Co(II) ions from wastewater with a stirred ultrafiltration cell. Also, alginic acid polymer was used as complexing agent to enhance the retention. In the filtration of Fe(III) and Co(II) solutions, the effects of pH, concentration of solutions, and pressure on the retention percentage were examined. Aqueous solutions of Fe(III) and Co(II) were filtrated at the stirred velocity of 400?rpm. The maximum retention percentage was found as 78.66% for Fe(III) solution at the pH of 3.3, concentration of 0.3?×?10^?4 M Fe(III) solution, pressure of 40?psi by using 2.5 (w/v)% Poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate)/cellulose composite membranes. For Co(II) solutions the maximum retention percentage was found as 77% at the pH of 6, concentration of 0.3?×?10^?4 M Co(II) solution, pressure of 50?psi by using 2.5 (w/v)%Poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate)/cellulose composite membranes.