The Adsorption of Microcystins by Polyvinylchloride (PVC) Ultrafiltration Membrane

Cyanobacterial toxins which presented in drinking water sources posed a considerable threat to human health. In this study, the removal of cyanotoxins, including microcystin-RR, microcystin-LR and microcystin-YR, by ultrafiltration (UF) membrane made of polyvinylchloride was investigated. It was found that cyanotoxins were removed mainly by adsorption of PVC membrane, at least at initial stage of the filtration. Adsorption was primarily attributed to hydrophobic interactions, although hydrogen bonding and physical surface properties such as surface roughness, thickness, and porosity may also play a role. The initial feed concentration of cyanotoxins had a significant influence on the adsorption capacity of PVC membrane, which could be described based on a linear adsorption isotherm in the experimental range.