Effects of High Concentrations of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants in Waste Water and Drinking Water on Nanofiltration Membrane Behavior

Abstract

Removal possibility of high concentrations of organic and inorganic matter from aquatic solution using "Crossflow" spiral wound nanofiltration membranes was investigated on a self-made semi-industrial pilot plant, capacity 800 L/h. Natural organic matter, ammonia ions, and total arsenic removal were examined using concentrates-waste water obtained from industrial nanofiltration plant. Nanofiltration of waste water provided conclusions that arsenic was better removed in higher organic concentration environment rather than in lower. Also, membranes removed organic carbon with high efficiency and produced drinking water quality permeate. Removal of high concentrations of total iron, manganese, calcium, and magnesium was conducted using natural groundwater with and without the presence of complexing agent. Obtained results show that molecular weight cutoff, as well as quantity and type of complexing agent, had an influence on measured parameter removal. Also, electrostatic forces influenced separation of investigated ions.