Removal of [formula omitted] by (cordierite/ZrO2) membrane modified by microparticles

This work aims at improving ceramic membrane selectivity by modifications of surface using inert solid biomaterials as adsorbents. Filtration experiments were performed with a ceramic tubular membrane cordierite/ZrO2 (pore size 0.2 μm). This membrane has been modified by formation of a dynamic layer at the surface of the microfiltration membrane during the circulation of vegetal suspension. This study reports the results of the retention of NO3- by this new membrane system and we compare these results with those of the non-modified membrane (cordierite/ZrO2). The influence of concentration was also studied. The images obtained by scanning electron microscopy of the surface and the transverse section of the modified membrane are commented. The results obtained are encouraging and show the possibility of using this process for the purification of polluted water by ions such as NO3-.