Recovery of Nutrients from Residual Streams Using Ion-Exchange Membranes: Current State, Bottlenecks, Fundamentals and Innovations

Abstract

The review describes the place of membrane methods in solving the problem of the recovery and re-use of biogenic elements (nutrients), primarily trivalent nitrogen NIII and pentavalent phosphorus PV, to provide the sustainable development of mankind. Methods for the recovery of NH4+ − NH3 and phosphates from natural sources and waste products of humans and animals, as well as industrial streams, are classified. Particular attention is paid to the possibilities of using membrane processes for the transition to a circular economy in the field of nutrients. The possibilities of different methods, already developed or under development, are evaluated, primarily those that use ion-exchange membranes. Electromembrane methods take a special place including capacitive deionization and electrodialysis applied for recovery, separation, concentration, and reagent-free pH shift of solutions. This review is distinguished by the fact that it summarizes not only the successes, but also the “bottlenecks” of ion-exchange membrane-based processes. Modern views on the mechanisms of NH4+ − NH3 and phosphate transport in ion-exchange membranes in the presence and in the absence of an electric field are discussed. The innovations to enhance the performance of electromembrane separation processes for phosphate and ammonium recovery are considered.

Ammonium recovery from residual aqueous streams

“…With ED systems using selective membranes, e.g., monovalent selective, ions can be not only removed but also fractionated into two streams i) one enriched with multivalent ions, e.g., phosphate (PO4 3-), sulfate (SO4 2-), calcium (Ca 2+ ), and magnesium (Mg 2+ ), and ii) another one enriched with monovalent ions, e.g., NH4 + , potassium (K + ), and chloride (Cl -) [9][10][11].…”

Fouling and Mitigation Behavior of Foulants on Ion Exchange Membranes with Surface Property in Reverse Electrodialysis

“…Fouling is one of the most common problems in electrodialysis (ED) using ion exchange membranes (IEMs). In general, fouling is caused by the precipitation of foulants such as organics, colloids and biomass into IEMs and/or onto the surface of IEMs [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. The fouling causes a decrease in the transport flux of ions due to fouling complications of the membrane, an increase in the membrane resistance and a loss in selectivity and thus affects negatively membrane properties and performance [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Enhanced NH4+ Removal and Recovery from Wastewater Using Na-Zeolite-based Flow-Electrode Capacitive Deionization: Insight from Ion Transport Flux

“…Ammonia production via the Haber–Bosch process was reported to account for approximately 1–2% of the global annual energy consumption . The NH 4 + concentration in high-strength wastewaters such as livestock wastewater, sludge digestion liquid, food waste fermentation liquor, and landfill leachate ranges from 150 to >1000 mg/L, making them a potential source for N-fertilizer recovery. , However, conventional nitrogen removal processes in wastewater treatment, such as biological nitrification and denitrification and breakpoint chlorination, convert NH 4 + to nitrogen gas, , completely diminishing its resource value while consuming more energy and chemicals.…”