A dual-film platform for simultaneous bacterial disinfection and H₂S scavenging with integrated fluorescent sensing for real-time visual monitoring

Abstract

Slaughterhouse and meat-processing wastewater contains a complex mixture of organic pollutants, pathogenic bacteria, and toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S), posing serious risks to both public health and the environment. To address these challenges, we have developed a dual-film platform comprising: (1) a cellulose acetate (CA) film loaded with a cerium-based metal-organic framework (Ce-MOF) for efficient bacterial disinfection and H2S scavenging, and (2) a CA film embedded with a fluorescent probe (JM-NO2) for real-time visual monitoring of H2S. The incorporation of JM-NO2 into the CA matrix enables both naked-eye visualization and smartphone-based quantification of H2S. The Ce-MOF film exhibits robust reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating catalytic activity under mild conditions, enabling rapid microbial inactivation and effective H2S elimination. In a dual-film configuration, sequential filtration through the Ce-MOF and JM-NO2 films allows for simultaneous disinfection, H2S removal, and immediate visual detection of residual H2S. The system demonstrates excellent stability and sensitivity under environmentally relevant conditions. This dual-film platform offers a scalable and practical approach to wastewater treatment, integrating contaminant removal with real-time monitoring, and holds significant potential for environmental remediation and sustainable water management.