Efficient Separation of Oil-Water and Fatty Alcohol-Water Emulsions by Vacuum Filtration Using Bacterial Cellulose Membranes

Çalhan A., Hasanoglu A., KÜÇÜK İ., GÜNDÜZ O.

Journal of Environmental Engineering (United States), vol.151, no.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 151 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1061/joeedu.eeeng-7721
  • Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Engineering (United States)
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Biotechnology Research Abstracts, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, Environment Index, Geobase, Greenfile, INSPEC, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, DIALNET, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: 1-decanol, Bacterial cellulose (BC), Oil-water mixtures, Separation, Vacuum filtration, Wastewater treatment
  • Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The emulsions of water-insoluble organic compounds such as oil and fatty alcohol based solvents, are widely encountered in chemical industries and this type of emulsions have led to significant environmental pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to explore effective approaches for removal of waste oil and other fatty solvents present in aqueous emulsions. In this study two types of aqueous emulsions were studied to separate water; water/oil and 1-decanol/water emulsions. A vacuum membrane filtration system was used to separate the emulsions. Bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes were synthesized using Gluconacetobacter xylinus bacteria. Our findings demonstrate that BC membranes can effectively separate water from oil and fatty alcohol based solvent containing emulsions, thereby providing a viable solution for environmental remediation.