NITRATE REMOVAL FROM WATER USING SURFACE-MODIFIED ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANES

Abstract

Elevated nitrate concentrations in natural water sources are a worldwide concern due to the extensive levels of soil N-fertilization. This study investigates three commercially available polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes with different molecular weight cut-offs (5, 10, and 30 kDa), which we modified with a cationic surfactant, cetylpyridinium chloride to improve their nitrate removal. The nitrate removal efficiency of these membranes was examinated as functions of initial nitrate concentration, pH, and permeate flux. The best nitrate removal efficiency was obtained with a 5 kDa surface-modified UF membrane.