Application of Membrane Science to Remove Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) and Pharmaceutically Active Compounds (PhACs): A Review

Abstract

To date, membrane technology is of great concern while conventional processes are not able to fulfill prosperous separation. The presence of EDCs in the environment indicates that conventional treatment plants (CTPs) may have limited capability to remove these compounds. Membrane process such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs), nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) can produce high quality effluents suitable for reuse applications. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology is a promising method for water and wastewater treatment because of its ability to produce high-quality effluent that meets water quality regulations. This paper aimed to provide a review of recent research on feasibility of membrane technology such as MBR, NF and RO and also their application to remove EDCs and PhACs from aqueous solution which are highly harmful and toxic. The major factors which exert influence on the separation of these organic micropollutants have been also studied.