The most effective polymer-based membrane material for removing heavy metals from industrial wastewater in water treatment processes is chitosan-based membranes. Chitosan is a natural biopolymer derived from chitin, which is found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. Chitosan-based membranes have gained significant attention in recent years due to their excellent heavy metal adsorption properties, biodegradability, and non-toxic nature.Chitosan-based membranes can be modified or combined with other materials to enhance their performance in heavy metal removal. Some common modifications include:1. Cross-linking: Cross-linking chitosan with agents like glutaraldehyde or epichlorohydrin can improve the mechanical strength and stability of the membrane, making it more suitable for water treatment applications.2. Blending with other polymers: Chitosan can be blended with other polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol PVA , polyacrylonitrile PAN , or polyethersulfone PES to improve its mechanical properties and heavy metal adsorption capacity.3. Nanocomposite membranes: Incorporating nanoparticles such as graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, or metal oxide nanoparticles e.g., TiO2, ZnO into chitosan-based membranes can enhance their heavy metal removal efficiency due to the increased surface area and adsorption sites provided by the nanoparticles.4. Surface modification: Chitosan membranes can be modified with functional groups or ligands that have a high affinity for specific heavy metals, increasing their selectivity and adsorption capacity.Overall, chitosan-based membranes have shown great potential for removing heavy metals from industrial wastewater due to their high adsorption capacity, biodegradability, and non-toxic nature. However, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of the water treatment process and the targeted heavy metals when selecting the most effective chitosan-based membrane material.