Bio-based composite filters for small-scale water purification units

Purpose and goal:

The aim and objective of the project was to assess the suitability of a new nanocellulose-clay composite to be used as a filter for water disinfection treatment in small-scale water treatment units. Several micelle-clay composites have been mixed with nanocellulose in crystalline and fibrillated forms to prepare new filters. The stock solutions and prepared filters were tested with solutions of known bacteria to assess their efficiency and potential for the development of commercial filters.

Expected results and effects:

Laboratory experiments of several of the different clay-nanocellulose composites in solution and in the form of a filter were investigated for the removal and inactivation of a bacterial solution. The results of the bacterial filtration found to be efficient on the removal of bacteria from a stock bacterial solution. The composites in solution could inactivate a known solution of bacteria.

The results indicate that the filters work well for water disinfection and more experiments need to be done to test the filtration of larger volumes of water for longer periods of time. Approach and implementation:

Six different preparations of micelle-clay composites where prepared according to standard protocols. The micelle-clay composites where mixed with nanocellulose to form a stock solution of nanocellulose-clay composite. The stock solution was tested with a solution of active bacteria.

The mixing with the stock solution resulted to inactivate the bacterial solution. The solution of nanocellulose-clay composite was used to impregnate a cellulose filter and the filter was used to filtrate a known solution of bacteria (solution after filtration shows no active colonies).