ZnO-Eugenol Based Antibacterial Membrane for Peat Water Purification

• Main Author: Satria Syaifi (13014047), Firmansyah Agil Saputra (13014049), Yuda
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/31792
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

<p align="justify">The fulfillment of clean water has become an insurmountable problem in some regions of Indonesia, especially in rural areas. Treatment and purification of water resources such as peat water is a solution to increase the availability of clean water. One of the alternative technologies which can be used is membrane technology. Peat water contains organic compounds and microorganisms which can cause biofouling in membrane operation. To overcome this issue, the use of antibacterial agents such as ZnO and eugenol in the membrane needs to be done. Therefore, this research developed ZnO-eugenol based antibacterial membrane for peat water purification. <br /> <br /> <br /> This research aims to determine the effect of ZnO and eugenol concentration on the characteristics and performance of polysulfone membrane. Polysulfone membrane was synthesized by phase inverse method using dimethylasetamide (DmAc) as solvent, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as pore forming agent, and ZnO and eugenol as additives. Membranes performances were evaluated by permeability, peat water rejection, and antifouling properties and were characterized by contact angle measurement, SEM, FTIR, and antibacterial assay. Antibacterial assay was performed using E. coli bacteria as tested bacteria. <br /> <br /> <br /> Results showed that the addition of ZnO and eugenol was able to improve the characteristics and performance of polysulfone membranes. The best characteristics and performance are produced by membrane with 5 %-wt of ZnO and 5 %-wt of eugenol. This membrane has smooth top surface and elongated pore structure. The presence of ZnO and eugenol leads to increased performance such as enhanced hydrophilicity, high permeability and rejection, as well as good antifouling and antibacterial properties. Membrane permeability was obtained at 86,4 L/m2.h.bar, peat water rejection 88,1%, FRR 85,3% and RFR 28,5%. The result of antibacterial assay showed zone of inhibition of 3 mm against E. coli. Therefore, this ZnO-eugenol based polysulfone membranes have great potential for peat water purification.<p align="justify"> <br />