Use of a bacterial cellulose filter for the removal of oil from wastewater

[Display omitted] •BC pellicles were synthesised by Gluconacetobacter hansenii in alternative medium.•The pellicles demonstrated a homogeneous, compact, three-dimensional structure.•Both pellicles from 6 and 10 days removed 100 % of the oil from oily waters.•The BC pellicles can be recycled during an undetermined period of time. The present study describes the development of a bacterial cellulose (BC) filter for the treatment of oily waters. BC membranes were produced using an alternative medium containing 2.5 % corn steep liquor. Samples of previously purified membranes were characterized and tested as filters for the separation of oil from water (oil concentrations of 10, 150 and 230 ppm). Flow rate, filter diameter and membrane thickness after 6 and 10 days of cultivation were evaluated in a filtration system constructed in polyvinyl chloride. The BC membranes presented satisfactory flexibility, thermal stability and mechanical strength. However, the membrane obtained after 10 days supported 100 % more force than the membrane obtained after 6 days. The experiments revealed 100 % removal of the oil from all emulsions. The filtration flow rate increased proportionally to the filter diameter and decreased from the 6-day membrane to the 10-day membrane. The results of the present study are promising and demonstrate the efficiency, durability and strength of this novel biodegradable, non-toxic material for the treatment of oily waters generated during industrial activities.