Abstract

In the first part of the present research work, the synthesis and characterization of a multilayer PVA/CA/PEG membrane was attempted. Where membrane performance and applicability was investigated for reverse osmosis (RO) desalination of saline water. For this purposes, various synthetic membranes were prepared and characterized for the desalination process. Reverse osmosis parameters of different multilayer composite membranes were evaluated compared to a reference membrane of a desalination station in Egypt. Values of both salt rejection and water flux were assessed as a measure of membrane efficiency. In the present work, selected samples of CA/PEG and PVA/CA/PEG were engaged as membranes for the reverse osmosis process of different feed concentrations of groundwater, brackish, highly saline and also extremely saline water (sea water). Feed and permeate concentrations were determined by conductivity measurements. In addition, to suitable application of the prepared synthetic membranes, the antimicrobial sustainability was also evaluated where prospective function against gram +ve and gram -ve was depicted.