Application of nanofiltration systems in wastewater reclamation & its long-term performance: Review article

Abstract

The wastewater treatment plants are one of the major sources of hazardous pollutants in surface-water resources. The problem is intensifying in India as a large portion of the nation’s population is facing acute water scarcity and wastewater reclamation is becoming an avoidable solution. Nanofiltration systems are emerging as one of the most efficient and cost-effective wastewater treatment and reclamation technology. There is an array of the application of nanofiltration in the field of water and wastewater treatment industry. The main functioning of nanofiltration systems is the selective retention of dissolved solids like heavy metals, salts and electrolytes in the aqueous medium. The review’s main objective is to illustrate and summarize the recent studies on the application of nanofiltration systems, its efficiency to remove the water pollutants of emerging concern and its long-term performance. The study focuses on the knowledge gaps and the opportunities for upcoming research. Various significant parameters, inclusive of characteristics of wastewater, physicochemical properties of the pollutant, system properties and operating condition that can alter the wastewater reclamation efficiency are addressed. Fouling of membrane is one of the major shortcomings of nanofiltration and that’s a hinderance to its successful application. Mitigation methods to reduce and prevent membrane fouling have been discussed.