Work

Response-surface optimization of high-performance GO-PET-PEG forward osmosis membranes for bentazone removal

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In this work, a single-layer forward osmosis (FO) nanocomposite membrane was developed and tested for bentazone removal from aqueous systems. Unlike conventional dual-layer thin-film composite membranes, this architecture, incorporating graphene oxide (GO) as a nanofiller and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a pore-forming agent in a recycled PET matrix, eliminates interfacial defects between layers while simplifying fabrication. The membrane was prepared with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 16.5 wt%), PEG-400 (4 wt%), and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP, 79 wt%), with 0.5 wt% GO added to enhance hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, and water transport. The homogeneous solution was processed via phase inversion to yield the optimized GO–PET–PEG membrane, showing FO water flux of 35.8 L m −2 h −1 (0.4 M NaCl draw solution), water permeability (A) of 4.04 L m −2 h −1 bar −1 (RO mode), salt permeability (B) of 1.00 ± 0.11 L m −2 h −1 , and RSF of 1.14 ± 0.08 g m −2 h −1 . Structural characterization was performed via FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM, EDX-MAP, AFM, and contact angle measurement, with conditions optimized using RSM. Effects of purge gases, hydrogen peroxide, organic compound type, anions, and membrane reusability were investigated. Under optimal conditions (pH = 7, bentazone = 25 mg/L, NaCl = 0.4 M, flow rate = 0.3 L/min, time = 35 min, temperature = 20 °C), 99.9% bentazone removal was achieved. For drinking water, efficiency reached 91.7%, reflecting the influence of other anions. Daphnia magna toxicity testing indicated a significant reduction in toxicity after treatment under the investigated conditions, supporting further evaluation of the environmental compatibility of the FO process. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of the GO-PET-PEG membrane for bentazone removal under the investigated laboratory conditions.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-75475-3

Authors: Mehdi Sarlak, Mehdi Shirzad-Siboni, Azita Mohagheghian, Alireza Saeedi-Jurkuyeh

Institution: Guilan University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Membrane Separation Technologies

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690