Reusing and Characterization of the Used Reverse Osmosis Membrane and its Application in Surface Water Purification

Abstract

The current study concerns the recycling of the used reverse osmosis membrane named DOW FILMTEC™ SW30HR–380. The performance improvement includes the following steps:(1) Molecular characterization of the used membrane where it contributes to understanding the physicochemical properties of reverse osmosis membranes and their performance, using different analytical techniques like FTIR, SEM, and tensile strength. (2) reuse of the Polysulfone layer of the membrane as a filter for the turbidity removal of surface water.(3) Comparison between the turbidity removal % by the Polysulfone layers (arranged in a disc filter) and the conventional coagulants. From the results, we found that SEM photographs were evidence for the high fabrication of the membrane. The coating layer showed a high hydrophilic hydroxyl group appearing in FTIR spectra. Mechanically, the polyamide layer showed the best tensile properties. Raw water quality and the conditions leading to filter clogging were discussed. The removal percentage of turbidity and algae from surface water reached 60 and 80% respectively using five successive Polysulfone layers with a surface area of 12.5 cm2/layer. At the same turbidity, tested coagulants achieved higher removal % than that of the Polysulfone layers. On one hand, the recycled reverse osmosis membrane may be used as an alternative technique for removing turbidity and algae, while on the other hand, it reduces harmful effects and emissions