تقييم فعالية أغشية مصنعة محلياً في المعالجة الثالثية لمياه الصرف الصناعي من مصافي النفط

Abstract

In this study, polymeric membranes (M0 and M1) were fabricated and evaluated, based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The M1 membrane was modified by incorporating 0.3% of arginine-functionalized titanium dioxide nanoparticles [TiO₂(NPs)(Arg)] to enhance its structural and hydrophilic properties. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy using attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) confirmed the successful integration of the membrane components. Additionally, water contact angle and porosity measurements indicated a significant improvement in the hydrophilicity and porosity of the M1 membrane compared to M0.

 The performance of the fabricated membranes in removing hydrocarbons from industrial wastewater characterized by a hydrocarbon concentration of 52.60 mg/L and a high level of total dissolved solids (TDS = 29.51 g/L) was assessed using both dead-end and cross-flow filtration modes under constant operating conditions. The results demonstrated that the cross-flow configuration was more effective in maintaining a higher permeate flux, while both filtration modes achieved comparable hydrocarbon removal efficiencies ranging from 77% to 84%, with effluent concentrations remaining within permissible environmental discharge limits. Moreover, the inclusion of TiO₂(NPs)(Arg) significantly improved the permeability of the M1 membrane without compromising removal efficiency, thus enhancing the economic viability of the membrane-based treatment process. The study also highlighted the complex fouling behavior of membranes during the treatment of industrial oily wastewater. The study demonstrated that membrane fouling by oil droplets is significantly more complex than conventional fouling mechanisms, particularly in the presence of elevated levels of total dissolved solids.