Removal of fluoxetine from water by nanofiltration and reverse osmosis

Abstract

This paper explores the use of nanofiltration (NF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) to remove the pharmaceutical Fluoxetine (FLX) from water. This substance can be found in rivers and lakes and requires studies involving the application of efficient technologies for its removal or mitigation. The study evaluated NF and RO membranes as an alternative to remove Fluoxetine from water. NF removed fluoxetine within the range between 50 and 60%, and RO demonstrated higher efficiency in removing the drug (98.8%). RO is a suitable method as a complementary treatment of water to ensure a lower concentration of FLX in water.
 Keywords: emerging pollutants, environment, membrane technology, water treatment.