TY - JOUR ID - 242124 TI - Laccase-Coated Polyethersulfone Membranes for Organic Matter Degradation and Removal JO - Journal of Membrane Science and Research JA - JMSR LA - en SN - AU - Motsa, Machawe AU - Mamba, Phumlile P AU - Ogola, Henry J AU - Msagati, Titus AM AU - Mamba, Bhekie B AU - Nkambule, Thabo TI AD - Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, South Africa AD - Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa Y1 - 2022 PY - 2022 VL - 8 IS - 1 SP - EP - KW - Catalytic breakdown KW - Enzyme immobilization KW - dissolved organic matter KW - Ultrafiltration: White rot fungi DO - 10.22079/jmsr.2021.139576.1418 N2 - Natural organic matter (NOM) removal from water is getting progressively significant for water treatment plants not only  to improve drinking water aesthetics such as taste and smell, but also to avoid disinfection by-products (DBPs) formed  during disinfection by chlorine. This study applies the catalytic properties of the wood degrading laccase enzyme produced by white rot fungi (WRF) on breaking down and removing organic matter in drinking water. White rot fungi  isolates were collected and examined for their ability to degrade humic acid (HA), a NOM model compound. Highly  permeable polyethersulfone (PES) membrane was prepared following the phase inversion process and used as material to support the immobilization of the lignin-degrading enzymes extracted from Perenniporia sp. and Polyporaceae sp. for  NOM degradation and removal. A 52 % humic acid removal was recorded for the Polyporaceae sp. The addition of  laccase substrate 4-hydroxybenzoic acid showed a great impact on the hydrophilicity of the membranes as a decrease in  contact angle measurements of <60 was achieved. Moreover, modified membrane’s immobilization yield and enzyme  activity also improved. The modified membrane achieved a rejection of greater than 90 % for the model compound.  Enzyme activity was a function of contact time and substrate type. The attained results revealed that catalytic membranes  can be an efficient alternative for NOM removal and membrane fouling alleviation during water treatment.  UR - https://www.msrjournal.com/article_242124.html L1 - https://www.msrjournal.com/article_242124_f998f2053e41e3a151414f3a579581a1.pdf ER -