Integrated membrane system without adding chemicals for produced water desalination towards zero liquid discharge

Screening and cost assessment strategies for end-of-Pipe Zero Liquid Discharge systems

Chapter 1 - Concept of zero liquid dischare—present scenario and new opportunities for economically viable solution

Interplant Water Networks Coupled with Two-Stage Treatment and ZLD Options

Chapter 14 - Zero liquid discharge technology strategies in Indian distilleries and pharmaceutical industries—a paradigm shift toward sustainability

Increasing net water recovery of reverse osmosis with membrane distillation using natural thermal differentials between brine and co-located water sources: Impacts at large reclamation facilities

Review on the escalating imperative of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technology for sustainable water management and environmental resilience

Chapter 12 - Tools and methods for efficient design and operations of ZLD systems—water network synthesis approach

Zero-liquid discharge technologies for desulfurization wastewater: A review

The article examines an advanced zero liquid discharge (ZLD) desalination method focusing on humidification-dehumidification (HDH) in thermally driven transport reactors. The limited availability of water, particularly in dry locations, has prompted the advancement of several desalination techniques. Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a prevalent membrane technology in the market; however, it has restrictions regarding brine disposal. ZLD technologies strive to mitigate environmental consequences by transforming saltwater into drinkable water and precious salts while minimizing waste. Membrane Distillation and Crystallization (MD-C) is notable as a highly efficient Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technique. Despite its high energy consumption, it can combine MD-C with renewable or waste energy sources to improve sustainability. Freeze Desalination (FD) was reviewed for its economic efficiency, especially when utilizing cold energy from liquefied natural gas (LNG). Hybrid systems that combine Forward Osmosis (FO) and membrane distillation with condensation (MD-C) can potentially improve water recovery and decrease energy usage. The HDH desalination process imitates the natural precipitation process, examines its ability to operate at low temperatures, and highlights its potential for integration with renewable energy sources. The review discusses the HDH design, the effect of salinity on its performance, and the different dehumidification technologies. It emphasizes the significance of creative methods in achieving sustainable water management.

As the demand for sustainable water and wastewater management continues to rise in both desalination and industrial sectors, there is been notable progress in developing Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) and Minimal Liquid Discharge (MLD) systems. Membrane technologies have become a key component of these systems, providing effective solutions for removing contaminants and enabling the recovery of both water and valuable resources. This article explores recent advancements in the design and operation of ZLD and MLD systems, discussing their benefits, challenges, and how they fit into larger treatment processes. Emphasis is given to membrane-based processes, such as reverse osmosis (RO), membrane distillation (MD), and forward osmosis (FO), as well as hybrid configurations, and innovative membrane materials. These advancements are designed to address critical challenges like fouling, scaling, high energy demands, and high brine production. The article also explores exciting research directions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and durability of membrane technologies in ZLD and MLD systems, paving the way for new innovations in sustainable water management across various industries.

Zero liquid discharge treatment of brackish water by membrane distillation system: Influencing mechanism of antiscalants on scaling mitigation and biofilm formation

Zero liquid discharge (ZLD)-a wastewater management strategy that eliminates liquid waste and maximizes water usage efficiency - has attracted renewed interest worldwide in recent years. Although implementation of ZLD reduces water pollution and augments water supply, the technology is constrained by high cost and intensive energy consumption. In this critical review, we discuss the drivers, incentives, technologies, and environmental impacts of ZLD. Within this framework, the global applications of ZLD in the United States and emerging economies such as China and India are examined. We highlight the evolution of ZLD from thermal- to membrane-based processes, and analyze the advantages and limitations of existing and emerging ZLD technologies. The potential environmental impacts of ZLD, notably greenhouse gas emission and generation of solid waste, are discussed and the prospects of ZLD technologies and research needs are highlighted.

The mechanical vapor compression (MVC) is an appealing technology for Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) processes, particularly in the context of the increasing global demand for freshwater and the protection of the natural environment. This approach supports the development of circular emerging technologies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. In this framework, an extended analysis is conducted to evaluate the performance of the MVC system under various operating conditions, with the objective of assessing the impact on energy consumption and distillate production. Reducing the consumption ratio is essential for enhancing process efficiency and advancing a more sustainable process. For this purpose, the paper examines how fluctuations in compressor boundary conditions affect temperatures and pressures. Moreover, feed brine concentration salinity is varied and related to the distillate flow. In the paper, a real ZLD process case study is provided, with experimental data collected. The real data correspond to four different operating conditions (scenarios), verifying that higher evaporation temperatures and lower compression ratio enhance the performance of such systems and lead to increased distillate production. In addition, the energy analysis reveals a consumption range of 165–214 kWh/m3 feed. Incoming electrical conductivities of up to 100 mS/cm are acceptable without scaling, with periodic HNO3 cleanings recommended. The proposed operating ranges can also be applied to other mechanical evaporation systems for wastewater treatment, desalination processes and ZLD technologies, or transferred to other locations.

To meet the demands of new regulations on coal-fired power plants, many treatment scenarios require a zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) approach. Two revisions to regulations in 2015, the Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) and Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs) rule, drastically changed the treatment approach for managing effluents at coal-fired plants. In some scenarios, coal-fired plants retired early deeming the capital cost for maintaining compliance too expensive. Traditionally, stabilization/solidification (S/S) ZLD technologies have fallen in two categories: cementitious and vitrification. However, neither approach offers the ideal solution for coal-fired power plants needing ZLD by S/S methods. In what follows, a novel sol-gel encapsulation method with Silane precursors is evaluated as an alternative S/S effluent treatment. It will be shown that sol-gel encapsulation can be used to solidify various wastewater effluents from an LG&E-KU power plant. The encapsulated solids successfully retained positively-charged contaminants during leaching analyses, while struggling to retain negatively-charged contaminants. Based on the results shown, it is proposed that the negatively-charged Silicon Dioxide network chemically fixates positively-charged contaminants, leading to the retention of those contaminants. These results demonstrate that sol-gel encapsulation can be developed as an alternative S/S technique to meet the challenges of ZLD regulations. It is anticipated that the work presented will be a starting point for further development of S/S treatment by sol-gel encapsulation.

The role of membrane distillation/crystallization technologies in the integrated membrane system for seawater desalination