New Polymer Inclusion Membrane Containing β-Cyclodextrin Polymer: Application for Pharmaceutical Pollutant Removal from Waste Water

We present herein the preparation of novel polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) containing insoluble β-CD polymer as a carrier, polyvinyl chloride as a base polymer, and dibuthylphtalate (DBP) as a plasticizer in varying proportions. The prepared PIMs can be obtained by a simple, fast, and high-yield preparation process. Physicochemical characterizations of such membranes occurred in a homogeneous structure. In addition, Fourier-transform infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis found that DBP was inserted between these polymeric chains by non-covalent interactions. This led to a spacing of PVC/poly(β-cyclodextrin) chains inducing a better access of guest molecules to PIM cyclodextrins. To achieve the elimination of ibuprofen and progesterone, two examples of emerging environmental contaminants that can lead to possible alterations to aquatic environments and affect human health, the effect of three operating parameters was studied (pH, the proportion of β-cyclodextrin polymer, and wastewater agitation). The proportion of β-cyclodextrin polymer and wastewater agitation had a favorable influence on drug extraction at 10 ppm. The PIMs containing β-cyclodextrin polymer was unstable in basic conditions and was more effective at acidic pH. These initial results demonstrate the high potential for drug extraction of this polymer.