Abstract
Synthetic industrial wastewater samples containing mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) ions in various concentrations were prepared and treated by air gap membrane distillation (AGMD), a promising method for heavy metals removal. Three different membrane pore sizes (0.2, 0.45, and 1 μm) which are commercially available (TF200, TF450, and TF1000) were tested to assess their effectiveness in combination with various heavy metal concentrations and operating parameters (flow rate 1–5 L/min, feed temperature 40–70 °C, and pH 2–11). The results indicated that a high removal efficiency of the heavy metals was achieved by AGMD. TF200 and TF450 showed excellent membrane removal efficiency, which was above 96% for heavy metal ions in a wide range of concentrations. In addition, there was no significant influence of the pH value on the metal removal efficiency. Energy consumption was monitored at different membrane pore sizes and was found to be almost independent of membrane pore size and metal type.
Highlights
Industrial wastewater is one of the most serious pollutants, contributing significantly to the current load constraints of conventional wastewater treatment plants
The influence of pH on the rejection factor at room temperature was explored at three different pH values: 2, 7, and 11
The experiments were conducted over a wide range of heavy metal concentrations at a constant feed flow rate (1.5 L/min), feed temperature (50 ◦ C) and coolant temperature (10 ◦ C)
Summary
Industrial wastewater is one of the most serious pollutants, contributing significantly to the current load constraints of conventional wastewater treatment plants. Several industrial sectors such as petroleum, petrochemicals, tanning and electroplating are generating large amounts of toxic heavy metal wastewater, which needs to be extensively treated prior to its release to the ecosystem. Most industrial wastewater streams contain heavy metals such as zinc, copper, mercury, lead, and arsenic in amounts that if left untreated will exceed the limit allowable by the national public health and safety regulations for their safe disposal [1]. Heavy metals have different properties based on their atomic number and chemical structure that contribute to their effects and toxicity to the environment and human health. Toxicity levels depend on the type of metal and the type of organism that is exposed to it [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
