(6i) New Frontiers: Membrane Fouling Remediation for Sustainable Water & Industrial Wastewater Treatment Technologies

One of the key issues that keep coming up in current research trends is the sustainable water use and water re-usability. The low-pressure membrane applications are considered to be the most effective and sustainable methods of addressing environmental problems when it comes to treated water and wastewater that meets or exceed stringent environmental standards. Nevertheless, membrane fouling is one of the primary operational concerns that is currently hindering a more widespread application of ultrafiltration (UF) with a variety of contaminants. Membrane fouling leads to higher operating costs, excessive energy demand, reduced membrane life time, and increased cleaning frequency. As a consequence, an efficient and well-planned UF process is becoming a necessity for consistent and long-term monetary returns. Examining the source and mechanisms of foulant attachment to the membranes surface is critical when it comes to the research of membrane fouling and its potential practical implementation. A mathematical model was developed for homogeneous and heterogeneous membranes in order to predict the amount of fouling and the increase in transmembrane pressure in UF of simulated latex effluent based on the analyses of particle attachments. A power consumption model, incorporating fouling attachments, as well as chemical and physical parameters involved in membrane fouling, was developed in order to ensure accurate prediction and the scale-up applications. Innovative remediation techniques were likewise developed and applied so as to minimize membrane fouling, enhance membrane performance, and save energy. Based on these achievements, it is essential to direct current research trends toward sustainable water and wastewater treatment technologies that can solve the existing industrial and environmental issues, especially when it comes to solutions that can be successfully commercialized on the global scale.