Experimental Study on Performance of Modified Hybrid Liquid Membrane Process for Removal of Cadmium from Wastewater

Liquid membrane processes have attracted many interests in recent years for removal of heavy metals such as cadmium from industrial wastewaters. In this study, a modified hybrid liquid membrane system is introduced. The setup is worked by applying the water-insoluble dioctyl phthalate as the organic solvent. N-octanol and tetra butyl ammonium bromide are added to the organic phase to increase the system efficiency. The effects of different parameters such as pHs of the feed and stripping phases, the complexing agent concentration, the organic film thickness, initial concentration of cadmium, and the carrier concentration on the cadmium removal are studied. The results demonstrate the increase in the removal rate and capacity comparing to those of previously studied hybrid liquid membrane system. An electrical potential is then applied to the hybrid liquid membrane system. The results show higher removal rate and capacity compared to the corresponded values in the system without applying electrical potential.