Fabrication and performance evaluation of nZVI integrated PVDF nanocomposite membranes for the remediation of lead contaminated wastewater

Abstract

Water contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) poses a critical challenge to environmental integrity and public health. While wastewater treatment technologies have advanced, further innovations are required to enhance the removal efficiency and flux performance of nanocomposite membranes for lead (Pb2+), a major PTE, in the wastewater matrix. In this study, nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles were synthesized via chemical reduction and subsequently incorporated into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes via a phase-inversion technique. Six distinct membrane configurations (Y0–Y5) were developed by varying the nZVI loading. The physicochemical properties and performance of these PVDF-nZVI membranes were investigated using FESEM, FTIR, EDX, XRD, XPS, TGA, water contact angle measurements, solvent content analysis, pure water flux, and Pb2+ removal efficiency. The influence of varying Pb2+ concentrations on PVDF-nZVI membrane performance was investigated. The removal efficiencies of the PVDF-nZVI membranes consistently exceeded 75% across all configurations, with the optimal membrane (Y3) achieving 96% Pb2+ removal while maintaining stable hydraulic properties throughout a 50-min filtration operation. These findings demonstrate the potential of PVDF-nZVI nanocomposite membranes for effective lead (Pb2+) remediation and their applicability in advanced wastewater treatment technologies.