Novel multifunctional membrane technology for visual detection and enhanced adsorptive removal of lead ions in water and wastewater

A multifunctional membrane for visual detection and enhanced adsorptive removal of lead ions in aqueous solution was prepared by immobilizing lead sensitive ligand, dithizone (DZ), on chitosan (CS) /cellulose acetate (CA) blend membrane. The prepared membrane can display visible color change (from yellow to red) as a response to lead ions in solutions; and at the same time, lead ions can be adsorptively removed by the amine groups on the membrane surface. Thus, the development provides a truly multifunctional membrane technology that can achieve optical warning as well as removal of lead ions simultaneously. Experimental results showed that the prepared membrane exhibited the advantages of quick response, easy naked-eye recognition and improved lead uptake capacity.