Water Purification by Removal of Pathogens Using Electrospun Polymer Nanofiber Membranes: A Review

摘要

Pure drinking water management is a biggest challenge due to contamination with pathogens and toxic chemicals from industries and manmade pollution caused by growth of population and industrialization. The presence of pathogens in the form ofminute biological organisms such as bacteria, virus, protozoa and algae in water causes epidemics. Although, various techniques have been used for purification of water, the membrane based filtration technology considered as most suitable for removal of pathogens. Electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENM) are highly suitable for water filtration due to presence of large number of nano sized poreswith interconnected pore structure that helps permeability for water filtration and rejection of nano sized particles and pathogens. Electrospinning is a versatile technique used for preparation of nanofibermembranes in the form of cloths / nets etc. with high level of porosity and surface area. In this article, attempts have been made to review the removal of pathogens from water using electrospunnanofiber membranes with their surface and bulk modification. Effect of various pathogen killing elements such as silver, zinc oxide etc. mixed with electrospining polymer solution for preparation of functionalized nanofiber membranes was discussed. Also, preparation of PAN nanofiber membrane in CSIR-NALand its suitability for removal of e-coli bacteria from water was discussed.