Filtration of microorganisms by clay-polymer complexes.

Abstract

4 páginas.-- 1 figura.-- 1 tabla.-- 2 referencias.-- Poster presentado en The 13th Leading Edge Conference on Water and Wastewater Technologies. Jerez de la Frontera (España). 2016. "Evaluating Impacts of Innovation" 13-16 june (2016) Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz) EspañaClay-polymer composites were designed for use in filtration processes for disinfection during the course of water purification. The composites were formed by sorption of polymers based on starch modified with quatemary ammonium ethers onto the negatively charged clay mineral bentonite. The antimicrobial effect exerted by the clay-polymer system was due to the cationic monomers adsorbed on the clay surface, which resulted in a positive surface potential of the complexes and charge reversal. Clay-polymer complexes were more toxic to bacteria than the polymers alone. Filtration employing our optimal clay-polymer composite yielded 100 % removal of bacteria after the passage of 3 L, whereas an equivalent filter with granular activated carbon (GAC) hardly yielded removal of bacteria after 0.5 L.Peer Reviewe