Water Science and Technology (May 2024)

Advancement of membrane separation technology for organic pollutant removal

  • Saroj Raj Kafle,
  • Sangeet Adhikari,
  • Rakesh Shrestha,
  • Sagar Ban,
  • Gaurav Khatiwada,
  • Pragati Gaire,
  • Nerisha Tuladhar,
  • Guangming Jiang,
  • Ananda Tiwari

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2024.117
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 89, no. 9
pp. 2290 – 2310

Abstract

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In the face of growing global freshwater scarcity, the imperative to recycle and reuse water becomes increasingly apparent across industrial, agricultural, and domestic sectors. Eliminating a range of organic pollutants in wastewater, from pesticides to industrial byproducts, presents a formidable challenge. Among the potential solutions, membrane technologies emerge as promising contenders for treating diverse organic contaminants from industrial, agricultural, and household origins. This paper explores cutting-edge membrane-based approaches, including reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, gas separation membranes, and pervaporation. Each technology's efficacy in removing distinct organic pollutants while producing purified water is scrutinized. This review delves into membrane fouling, discussing its influencing factors and preventative strategies. It sheds light on the merits, limitations, and prospects of these various membrane techniques, contributing to the advancement of wastewater treatment. It advocates for future research in membrane technology with a focus on fouling control and the development of energy-efficient devices. Interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry players is vital for shaping water purification innovation. Ongoing research and collaboration position us to fulfill the promise of accessible, clean water for all. HIGHLIGHTS Effective wastewater treatment helps to recycle and reuse water.; Membrane technologies are promising for treating wide organic contaminants.; This paper explores various advanced membrane techniques.; This review examines membrane fouling, including influencing factors and prevention strategies.; It illuminates the evolving membrane techniques, aiding the progress of wastewater treatment.;

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