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Journal of Bionic Engineering ›› 2022, Vol. 19 ›› Issue (3): 816-836.doi: 10.1007/s42235-022-00167-3

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Experimental Investigation on Saline Water Purification Using Reverse Osmosis by a Novus Biomimetic Membrane

Yasin Edmam Iman1, Nadim Ahmed1, Sayed Abul Monsur Anachh1, Kazi Abu Manjur1,2   

  1. 1 Department of Civil Engineering, Mymensingh Engineering College, University of Dhaka, Mymensingh 2208, Bangladesh  2 Department of Civil Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, Gazipur 1707, Bangladesh
  • Received:2021-08-10 Revised:2022-01-10 Accepted:2022-01-16 Online:2022-05-10 Published:2022-05-05
  • Contact: Yasin Edmam Iman E-mail:edmam.ce@gmail.com
  • About author:Yasin Edmam Iman1, Nadim Ahmed1, Sayed Abul Monsur Anachh1, Kazi Abu Manjur1,2

Abstract: A substantial amount of Earth’s water is inadequate for human consumption while local demand is outstripping traditional supplies in many world regions; thereby, brackish and seawater treatment has become a prerequisite. This investigation suggested a complete design of an RO-based desalination filter with a multilayer biomimetic membrane. The study demonstrated a comprehensive method for experimentally fabricating a proprietary biomaterial-based multilayer nano-porous membrane. This analysis revealed that Silk Nano-Fibril (SNF) and Hydroxyapatite (HAP) extracted from Bombyx Mori silkworm cocoons may be utilized to manufacture highly methodical multilayer membranes by incorporating protein-self-assembly and in-situ-bio-mineralization. Membrane’s aquaporin layer containing lipid-bilayers has rapid water permeability and high efficacy at eliminating salt ions and contaminants. The 4 μm thick SNF/HAP membrane showed a considerable decrease in salinity, with a salt rejection of 93.33%. The proposed membrane had a saline water permeability of 6.58 LMH/bar, almost 61.09% higher than conventional TFC membranes. Hydrophobic barrier and spiral-wrapped filter architecture of the membrane enable low fouling and self-cleaning properties. The schematic filter design and biomimetic fabrication of the SNF/HAP membrane have formulated a conceptual framework that might direct to the broad-scale, low-cost RO water purification filters, increasing the efficiency of water desalination and boosting the effectiveness of water treatment technologies to reduce potable water scarcity.

Key words: Desalination applications, Reverse osmosis membrane architecture, Biomimetic synthesis, Nano-fltration, Water purifcation