Project Overview

This project builds upon our earlier FES initiatives on OSPW treatment, but here we focus on integrating adsorption technology with advanced membrane process. In the previous phase, we developed biosorbents that demonstrated high efficiency in removing heavy metals from simulated contaminated water. In this work, we aim to design a single-step reactor system that combines a keratin-based biopolymer adsorbent with a low-pressure lignin-based membrane. Where, the adsorbent will primarily remove metals and organic contaminants, while the membrane will capture remaining particulates and pathogens. Key technical parameters such as water throughputs, membrane fouling resistance, and overall contaminant rejection efficiency will be systematically investigated. This hybrid reactor system will be fabricated in collaboration with our industrial partner, “Fourien” and may subsequently be offered to other industries for testing and early-stage adoption. This integrated approach is expected to improve overall treatment efficiency while providing a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods, with enhanced contaminant removal capabilities.