Microfiltration membrane processes: A review of research trends over the past decade

Abstract

Since its inception in the 19 th century, microfiltration (MF) has evolved as a membrane-based separation technology for treating various effluents and wastewaters. This review aims to familiarize its readers with general and specific research trends on various topics in MF. The level of research interest has been measured by the number of publications in that area for each year. An increasing research trend was observed from the number of publications since 2009 to 2018 with MF as the major topic. During the past decade, MF articles have spanned in about 150 different journals, with The Journal of Membrane Science, Desalination and Separation and Purification Technology being the major ones. Major topics of interest include membrane fabrication and modification, waste water treatment and fouling studies, while a significant research increase was seen in various fabrication methods and MF application in the food sector. MF modeling still remains a topic which needs further research output, and has experienced a decline over the past years. Several potential research areas are also identified in this review which will help future researchers to materialize their efforts into the right direction.

Cross-Flow Microfiltration of Glycerol Fermentation Broths with Citrobacter freundii

“…Therefore, better understanding of overall fouling is the prime objective to develop membrane processes and increase membrane flux [25,35]. Although MF research has gained immense importance over the past decade [41], based on literature review, studies focusing on the fouling importance during microfiltration of fermentation broths in cross-slow systems with ceramic membranes are very limited (Table A1).…”

Ceramic Microfiltration Membranes in Wastewater Treatment: Filtration Behavior, Fouling and Prevention

“…Ceramic filters are fabricated using alumina, zirconia or zeolite, materials that withstand extreme pH, pressure conditions and high flux rates [90]. These characteristics facilitate effective cleaning with acidic or alkali solutions, indicating ceramic membranes as ideal candidates for processing complex effluent streams of sludge nature [80]. They have gained widespread popularity due to their specific properties as they can withstand high temperatures which are applied for instance in membrane reactors in which they contain the catalytically active sites and function as separation barrier as well [91].…”

Food‐processing wastes

“…A review of microfiltration (MF), conducted by Anis, Hashaikeh, and Hilal (2019), indicated that significant research was occurring in the areas of modeling, wastewater treatment, membrane fabrication, and membrane modification.…”