Liquid Discharge Research Articles

Sustainable nitrogen fixation by bubble discharge plasma: Performance optimization and mechanism

Sustainable nitrogen fixation driven by renewable energy sources under mild conditions has been widely sought to replace the industrial Haber-Bosch process. The fixation of nitrogen in the form of NOx− and NH4+ into aqueous solutions using electricity-driven gas–liquid discharge plasma is considered a promising prescription. In this paper, a scalable bubble discharge excited by nanosecond pulse power is employed for nitrogen fixation in the liquid phase. The nitrogen fixation performance and the mechanisms are analyzed by varying the power supply parameters, working gas flow rate and composition. The results show that an increase in voltage and frequency can result in an enhanced NO3− yield. Increases in the gas flow rate can result in inadequate activation of the working gas, which together with more inefficient mass transfer efficiencies can reduce the yield. The addition of O2 effectively elevates NO3− production while simultaneously inhibiting NH4+ production. The addition of H2O vapor increases the production of OH and H, thereby promoting the generation of reactive nitrogen and enhancing the yield of nitrogen fixation. However, the excessive addition of O2 and H2O vapor results in negative effect on the yield of nitrogen fixation, due to the significant weakening of the discharge intensity. The optimal nitrogen fixation yield was up to 16.5 μmol/min, while the optimal energy consumption was approximately 21.3 MJ/mol in this study. Finally, the mechanism related to nitrogen fixation is discussed through the optical emission spectral (OES) information in conjunction with the simulation of energy loss paths in the plasma by BOLSIG + . The work advances knowledge of the effect of parameter variations on nitrogen fixation by gas–liquid discharge for higher yield and energy production.

Zero liquid discharge management: optimizing sustainable reverse osmosis desalination practices

This study introduces a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) scheme for Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination, integrating ultra-filtration pretreatment and Electrodialysis (ED) for brine concentration. The scheme divides brine reject into fractions, directing them to an electrolyser and evaporator powered by renewable energy sources. Notable findings include the treatment plant's capability to produce 792 cubic meters of fresh water daily, while decreasing salt concentration from 4,660 ppm to 30 ppm, showcasing efficient desalination. Additionally, recycling fractions of RO unit waste to various components enhances resource efficiency. The study highlights the daily production of 2,269.27 kg of hydrogen, coupled with minimal electricity consumption of 74,885.91 kWh, thereby improving overall energy efficiency. Furthermore, the utilization of solar energy significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby promoting sustainability and mitigating the environmental impacts associated with traditional energy sources. Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet. This shift towards renewable energy is crucial in addressing climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. In the context of desalination, emphasizing environmental preservation and water security is paramount. Desalination processes, while providing essential fresh water in arid regions, often produce brine as a byproduct. The brine, with a high salt concentration of 13,648 ppm, poses a disposal challenge that can negatively impact marine ecosystems if not managed properly. This is where Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems come into play. With a ZLD index of 2.7%, these systems ensure that all wastewater is treated and reused, leaving no liquid waste behind. ZLD technology captures and recycles every drop of water, converting waste into reusable resources, thus minimizing environmental harm. The model showcased a significant decrease in brackish water extraction from 1,200 cubic meters per day to 871.52 cubic meters per day, marking a notable 27% reduction. These results highlight the promising effectiveness of the proposed ZLD scheme in enhancing the efficiency of brackish water treatment, demonstrating its potential to significantly reduce the demand for fresh water resources while achieving sustainable desalination practices. This article will present a detailed yet a simple description of reverse osmosis and ZLD, how do they correlate and how these two technologies represent the future of water treatment.

Effect of High Calcium and High Iron Coal on Ash Fusion Characteristics of Petroleum Coke during Cogasification.

Entrained flow gasification provides a more efficient utilization method for high-sulfur petroleum coke. The operation temperature of the entrained flow gasifier must be above the ash fusion temperature (AFT) of petroleum coke due to the liquid slag discharge. In this work, petroleum coke was blended with high-calcium coal and high-iron coal, respectively, under a reducing atmosphere, and the variations in AFTs were recorded by an ash fusion temperature analyzer. The influence of mineral transformations on the ash fusion characteristics of blended ash was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and FactSage. The results showed that both high calcium coal and high iron coal could efficiently reduce the AFTs of petroleum coke. When the ratio of high calcium coal and high iron coal reached 60 wt %, the corresponding flow temperature (FT) of mixed ash decreased to 1225 and 1312 °C, respectively. With the content of high calcium coal increasing, coulsonite (FeV2O4), vanadium trioxide (V2O3) and nickel (Ni) with high-melting points tended to decrease, causing the decrease of AFT for mixed ash. As high iron coal was added, Ni and V2O3 continuously kept decreasing. In particular, the percentage of FeV2O4 first increased and thereafter decreased with high iron coal above 40 wt %.

A study of tiamulin removal by nanosecond pulsed gas–liquid discharge underwater

AbstractIn this study, gas–liquid discharge plasma excited by nanosecond pulsed voltage is used to efficiently remove tiamulin (TIA) from water. The discharge produces a large number of reactive species (H2O2, OH radicals, NO3−, etc.) that can attack the TIA molecules. The effects of peak pulse voltage, initial TIA concentration, gas composition, and the addition of ferrous sulfate and persulfate on TIA removal were mainly investigated. The results showed that the oxygen plasma could approach 100% removal within 30 min of treatment time. The addition of the catalyst increased the TIA removal efficiency by approximately 15% during the 10‐min discharge treatment time. The toxicity of 12 intermediates was analyzed and the degradation mechanism of TIA was investigated.

A review of zero liquid discharge and solvent driven aqueous phase processes for brine treatment

A review of zero liquid discharge and solvent driven aqueous phase processes for brine treatment

Tetracycline degradation in the system of peracetic acid activation by liquid discharge plasma

The oxidative degradation ability of peracetic acid (PAA) for organic pollutants can be enhanced by different activation methods. This study investigated the degradation efficiency and mechanisms of tetracycline (TC) using PAA activated by liquid-phase discharge plasma. An 86.08 % degradation efficiency for TC after 60 min treatment was achieved in the Plasma/PAA system, much higher than that of the sole Plasma (46.64 %) and PAA (15.19 %). Acidic conditions and neutral conditions were more favorable for TC removal than alkaline conditions. Inorganic ions generally inhibited TC degradation, though notably, low concentrations of Cl− and NO3− promoted it. Free radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis confirmed the crucial roles of OH, RO, and 1O2 in TC degradation. Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (3DFS) and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV–VIS) elucidated the TC degradation mechanism, revealing key aspects of antibiotic structural decomposition. Further analysis of the degradation products by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) indicated three potential degradation pathways. Biotoxicity evaluations indicated that the synergistic system significantly reduced the biotoxicity of the degradation products. This study demonstrated an efficient method for plasma-activated PAA in degrading persistent pharmaceutical pollutants. It also confirmed the system’s applicability across a broad spectrum of organic pollutants and water bodies, highlighting its potential for a wide range of environmental protection applications.

Model-based zero liquid discharge desalination for land-locked arid/semi-arid regions in India

The arid and semiarid regions usually are water-stressed. The available natural groundwater resources in these areas are, at times, saline and unfit for potable use. Desalination of saline water is a possible solution in such cases. However, discharge of concentrated brine is an issue, particularly in land-locked areas. In this regard, a case study has been presented for brackish water desalination in Western Rajasthan, India. As this is a land-locked desert area, zero liquid discharge (ZLD) desalination has been considered, offering a practical and sustainable solution. This study presents a novel approach to the model-based ZLD hybrid desalination system consisting of reverse osmosis and multi-effect distillation (RO-MED) systems producing drinking quality water and common salt. The simultaneous production of common salt has the potential to bring down the cost of drinking water produced by the system. A system design has been carried out for a real case based on the raw water analysis of groundwater in Western Rajasthan. Our hybrid (RO-MED-ZLD) model results indicate that RO reduced TDS from 4419 mg/l to 22 mg/l with a 67 % recovery rate. The proposed ZLD method recovers 93 % of salt crystals from MED brine solutions, potentially reaching 99 % with adjustments.

Eco-friendly three-phase-gel foam with novel particle-gel crosslinking enhancing stabilization and fire extinguishing

To address the instability and limited fire-suppression effectiveness of foam agents, a three-phase gel foam incorporating α-olefin sulfonate (AOS), alkylphenol ethoxylates (OP-10), modified bentonite, and cellulose gel was developed. The foam formula was optimized by using response surface method. Combined with Zeta potential and FTIR, the intrinsic interaction between materials was analyzed. The foam decay process, liquid discharge regularity, and viscosity change under different additives were compared. The enhancement of its fire extinguishing ability was explored. Results show that: The optimized foam achieves optimal foaming volume and half-life. Surfactant adsorption reduces the surface charge of particles and stabilizes their dispersion in liquid membrane. Cellulose is wound between particles to form a stable absorbent skeleton and delay decay of foam. Foam adheres stably to solids and covers them with barrier, inhibiting wood burning. The time to extinguish wood stack fire was 84 s, a 36.84% improvement over Class A foam extinguishing agents.

Mineral scaling and organic fouling in electrodialytic crystallization

The management of hypersaline brine is a critical challenge to achieving a circular water economy. Traditional brine treatment technologies mainly rely on thermal evaporation, which requires intensive energy, cost, and/or areal footprint. Electrodialytic crystallization (EDC) has been recently developed as a novel process that enables brine crystallization without evaporation. However, the potential effects of mineral scaling and organic fouling on the performance of EDC have not been revealed. In this study, we systematically investigated mineral scaling and organic fouling in EDC. We demonstrate that the ion transport and crystallization efficiencies of EDC are generally unaffected by a variety of mineral scalants and organic foulants, despite an increase of energy consumption in the presence of humic acid. Further, EDC is shown to be less susceptible to gypsum scaling than RO, mainly due to the difference in concentration polarization between these two membrane processes. To mitigate gypsum scaling in an assumptive EDC-RO treatment train towards zero liquid discharge (ZLD), polyacrylic acid (PAA) is employed as an antiscalant that prevents gypsum scaling in RO while not adversely affecting EDC performance at relatively low concentration. Our study unravels the behaviors of EDC when treating feedwater with high scaling and fouling potentials, providing valuable insights for understanding mineral scaling and organic fouling when applying an ED-based technology for hypersaline brine treatment towards ZLD.

Sustainable brine management: Unlocking magnesium and calcium for improved carbonation in the modified Solvay process

The extensive utilization of Reverse Osmosis (RO) in water desalination has led to the production of high-salinity brine, which poses significant environmental and societal challenges. This study presents an effective approach for the recovery of calcium and magnesium from real local RO brine. This method, serving as the initial step in a multi-treatment process, aims to efficiently manage brine and mitigate CO2 emission. Experimental outcomes demonstrate that a decarbonization pre-treatment, achieved through acidification, utilizes a near-stoichiometric ratio of sodium hydroxide to magnesium (2:1). This process, along with gradual addition of alkaline solution and adequate settling time, effectively removes more than 98 % of magnesium. Additionally, it precipitates high-purity magnesium hydroxide solids with large particles sizes (193.6 µm). In the subsequent soda ash stage, more than 97 % of calcium is successfully removed, yielding calcium carbonate with 95 % purity. Preliminary assessments of revenue generated from these products offer economic justifications for Zero Liquid Discharge implementation. Furthermore, Aspen Plus simulation for the carbonation process using the modified Solvay process revealed the significant benefits of the pretreatment process. This enhances sodium conversion efficiency, improves the production of sodium bicarbonate, and reduces impurities. These findings underscore the importance of Ca2+ and Mg2+ separation steps in improving the carbonation process.

Anaerobic biodegradation enables zero liquid discharge of two-stage nanofiltration system for microelectronic wastewater treatment

Nanofiltration (NF) is a promising technology in the treatment of microelectronic wastewater. However, the treatment of concentrate derived from NF system remains a substantial technical challenge, impeding the achievement of the zero liquid discharge (ZLD) goal in microelectronic wastewater industries. Herein, a ZLD system, coupling a two-stage NF technology with anaerobic biotechnology was proposed for the treatment of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH)-contained microelectronic wastewater. The two-stage NF system exhibited favorable efficacy in the removal of conductivity (96 %), total organic carbon (TOC, 90 %), and TMAH (96 %) from microelectronic wastewater. The membrane fouling of this system was dominated by organic fouling, with the second stage NF membrane experiencing a more serious fouling compared to the first stage membrane. The anaerobic biotechnology achieved a near-complete removal of TMAH and an 80 % reduction in TOC for the first stage NF concentrate. Methyloversatilis was the key genus involved in the anaerobic treatment of the microelectronic wastewater concentrate. Specific genes, including dmd-tmd, mtbA, mttB and mttC were identified as significant players in mediating the dehydrogenase and methyl transfer pathways during the process of TMAH biodegradation. This study highlights the potential of anaerobic biodegradation to achieve ZLD in the treatment of TMAH-contained microelectronic wastewater by NF system.

Integration of two-stage membrane distillation and fenton-based process for landfill leachate treatment: Ammonia and water recovery and advancement towards zero liquid discharge

The recovery of resources from landfill leachate (LL) represents a more sustainable approach, as it combines meeting release standards with the valorization of raw materials and contributing to the circular economy. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the performance of a two-stage Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (2S-DCMD) for the recovery of water and ammonia from LFL integrated with the Fenton-based process for the treatment of the membrane concentrate generated in the second stage, aiming to obtain zero effluent discharge. In the first stage, the hot LFL flows through the shell side of the polypropylene hollow fiber membrane module, while the sulfuric acid solution passes through the lumen side·NH3 is recovered in the form of ammonium sulfate. In the second stage, the hot effluent from the first stage flows through the hot channel of the poly(tetrafluoroethylene) sheet membrane module, while the cooled distilled water flows through the other side in countercurrent. Despite the high efficiency of MD, disposing of the concentrate presents challenges, as pollutant concentrations can escalate by an additional 25 % to 50 % compared to the original contaminants in the raw feed. To address this issue, an advanced oxidative process of Fenton (AOP/Fenton) was optimized for treating the concentrate. In the first stage, NH3 removal reached 97.84 %, accompanied by a recovery rate of 79 %. In the second stage, a permeate with high quality was produced. Substantial removal rates were observed in this stage: colour (99.96 %), turbidity (99.89 %), COD (99.33 %), and Sulfates (90.08 %). The AOP/Fenton under optimal conditions (21.50 g/L of Fe2+ and 80 mL of H2O2) the removal of COD was 88.69 %. Thus, this route emerges as a viable alternative for landfill leachate treatment with the recovery of important resources.

Tailoring anionic solar evaporator with an enhanced Donnan effect for a highly effective salt resistance desalination and water purification

Emerging solar-driven interfacial water evaporation demonstrates immense potential in mitigating worldwide water shortages, offering exceptional solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency, off-grid operability, zero liquid discharge capability and low carbon footprint. A critical requirement for sustainable extraction clean water from brine is the development of solar evaporators with both salt resistance and high evaporation rates. In response to this demand, this research proposed an enhanced Donnan effect anionic solar evaporator through filling wood in situ with PVA/PAA hydrogel. The resulting anionic solar evaporator demonstrated broadband spectral absorption, excellent photothermal conversion, and water activation capability. Notably, based on the negative charge property of the –COO– group anionic hydrogel, it could enhance Donnan effect and restrict the diffusion of Cl− to the evaporator, ensure enduring salt resistance and stability in purifying brine effectively. Experiments proved that the anionic anionic solar evaporator attained a remarkable water evaporation rate of 2.439 kg m−2 h−1 during a desalination of 15 wt% NaCl solution under 1 kW m−2 solar radiation, and no obvious salt accumulation had been observed during prolonged evaporation processes. With high efficiency, renewability, deployability, low cost, and durability, the anionic solar evaporator emerges as a promising solution for mitigating water scarcity, especially in economically challenged regions and provides valuable perspectives for future investigations into the water-energy-climate nexus.

Unveiling the pathways of ethanol decomposition to carbon radicals by nanosecond pulse bubble discharge in liquid: a two-step hybrid model

In recent years, bubble discharge in liquid has become a novel approach for the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials; however, the fundamental discharge process and synthesis mechanism are still not well understood. In this work, we build a two-step simulation model (combining 2D fluid dynamics and zero-dimensional plasma kinetics) to investigate nanosecond pulse discharge in an Ar bubble immersed in liquid ethanol and chemical reaction processes inside. The 2D simulation results show that discharge develops along the gas‒liquid interface where ethanol decomposes, resulting in much higher densities of active species (CH3, C2H5 and OH). The electric field of the selected reference point near the interface obtained by the 2D model is transmitted into the 0D model. The numerical results show that the decomposition of ethanol mainly occurs at the discharge stage, in which electron impact dissociation (e.g. C2H5OH + e → CH2OH + CH3 + e) and Penning dissociation (e.g. C2H5OH + Ar* → CH2OH + CH3 + Ar) dominate. The density of all carbonaceous species rapidly increases during discharge, while that of some carbon radicals (CH and C) continues to increase due to neutral species reactions when discharge ceases. By quantitative analysis of the reaction contributions, the dominant pathways of C2, CH and C are revealed, i.e. C2H5OH → C2H5 → [C2H, C2H2, C2H3] → C2 and C2H5OH → CH3 → CH2 → CH → C. In addition, the formation pathways of H and OH radicals, which are indispensable for the transformation of carbonaceous intermediates, are also analysed.

Simultaneous removal of fluorine and dissolved silica from semiconductor wastewater by an in-situ crystal nucleation method towards near-zero liquid discharge

Near-zero liquid discharge (Near-ZLD) treatment process for semiconductor (SC) wastewater often encounters membrane fouling caused by calcium fluoride (CaF2) and silicates, which affect the process stability and efficiency. However, achieving low chemical dosing while simultaneously removing fluoride ions (F−) and dissolved silica (D-SiO2) remains a significant challenge in SC wastewater treatment. This study developed an in-situ crystal nucleation (ICN) method for Near-ZLD pretreatment, ensuring the simultaneous removal of F− (<8.0 mg/L) and D-SiO2 (<6.0 mg/L) to meet Near-ZLD requirements while mitigating membrane fouling. The method induced the in-situ generation of CaF2 seeds through a simple process adjustment without external additions, promoting the growth of CaF2 particles size and enhancing the subsequent coagulation effect. Consequently, membrane fouling was significantly reduced, and its reversibility was increased by more than ten-fold. In addition, the coagulant dosing was further optimized (Fe/Al mixed coagulants), which enhanced the acid-base interaction between the membrane surface and flocs, reducing irreversible membrane fouling by 70 %. In practical applications, the ICN method consistently achieved a 104.87 % increase in membrane flux compared to the conventional method, significantly extending the membrane's service life. This method provides a new perspective with practical guidance for the stable and efficient Near-ZLD operation in SC wastewater.

The Scenario of Groundwater Pollution after Implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge: An Agricultural Economic Perspective

Groundwater pollution is hard to remediate in the Noyyal river region even after the implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge process. Hence, to study the status and extent of groundwater pollution in the Noyyal river region, Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu was purposively selected and classified into 3 regions based on the distance from the river and 120 farms were selected. Tools of analysis viz., Cost benefit analysis, Resource use efficiency and decomposition analysis were undertaken to study the status of groundwater pollution and its effect on agriculture. The results showed that intensity and severity of pollution is high in the region closer to Noyyal river (less than 1 km). Income from agriculture is also low in that region due to the use of polluted groundwater for irrigation. The study revealed that Zero Liquid Discharge ensures stoppage of industrial effluents into the river and hence, river pollution is stopped. Similarly, a suitable policy is required to revamp groundwater. Hence, the suggested policy includes water storage structures like tanks, lakes, ponds etc are to be used for groundwater recharge purpose alone.

A hot, hydrothermally influenced microbial-tidal flat setting in the Palaeoarchaean Moodies Group, Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa

Abstract Sandy, microbial-mat-laminated sediments are common in estuarine and tidal environments of the Palaeoarchean Moodies Group (ca. 3.22 Ga); they are interspersed with numerous expressions of mafic to intermediate (sub-) volcanism, including sills, stockwork dykes, lavas, and air-fall tuffs. We describe abundant fluid-escape structures up to 6 m in height associated with this facies in the Saddleback Syncline of the central Barberton Greenstone Belt. The fluid-escape conduits fed small sand volcanoes during prolonged and/or recurring discharge of gases, liquids, and solids. They are filled by sand, sericitic clay, and fine-grained organic matter of former microbial mats. In comparison to the mean composition of adjacent beds of identical composition, the conduits are enriched in Fe, Cr, Ti, and Mg. This suggests that fluid-escape was not only a consequence of overpressure buildup from decaying microbial mats in the shallow subsurface or of water-level fluctuations but also due to periodic or continuous release of hydrothermal fluids circulating in the thermal aureole above the cooling Lomati River Sill of Moodies age. Such an inference is also supported by textures characteristic of in-place argillaceous and sericitic alteration and by Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous matter (RSCM) indicating temperatures ca. 50 to 100°C above the regional maximum metamorphic temperature of 320 to 380°C. Pre-compaction carbonate and/or silica cementation also preserved the abundant carbonaceous laminae interpreted as benthic microbial mats. Analogue recent hot spring deposits suggest that surficial hydrothermal activity in the medium-energy siliciclastic tidal zone would have significantly boosted microbial growth.

Numerical investigation on dynamic characteristics of the droplet impacting on a random rough surface

Water management is a significant problem affecting the reliability and stability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), in which droplet wall collision is the critical factor affecting the liquid water transmission in the gas channel. The surface roughness directly affects the spreading deformation of the droplet after impacting. This study's influence of surface roughness on the dynamic process of a single droplet of micrometer level impacting random rough surfaces was numerically investigated. Based on the Weierstrass–Manderlbrot (W-M) fractal theory, three-dimensional random rough surfaces with five roughness levels were established, and the dynamic process of droplet impact on the random rough surface was captured. The contour features of the droplet were analyzed, and the results showed that rough peaks hinder the spreading and retracted process of droplets, resulting in a thicker liquid film deposited on the rough surface, which is not conducive to liquid water discharge. The higher roughness level makes it difficult for droplets to gather into liquid film after hitting the wall and further hinders the discharge of liquid water from the flow channel. Therefore, when micrometer-sized droplets collide with a wall velocity of about 10 m/s, the roughness Ra should be controlled below 0.4 μm, which is conducive to the formation of thin liquid film after droplet impact and the effective discharge of water, which is crucial to maintaining the performance and life of PEMFC.

Design of Zero Liquid Discharge Plant

The Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) process involves several stages, including pretreatment, evaporation, crystallization, and solid waste management. Pretreatment removes solids, oils, and contaminants from the wastewater. Evaporation applies heat to evaporate water, leaving behind concentrated brine or salts. Crystallization or membrane filtration further separates dissolved salts and minerals, ensuring the treated water meets required quality standards. Solid waste generated during the process is appropriately managed or repurposed.

Evaluation of enhanced nanofiltration membranes for improving magnesium recovery schemes from seawater/brine: Integrating experimental performing data with a techno-economic assessment

The global demand for valuable metals and minerals necessitates the exploration of alternative, sustainable approaches to mineral recovery. Seawater mining has emerged as a promising option, offering a vast reserve of minerals and an environmentally friendly alternative to land-based mining. Among the various techniques, Nanofiltration (NF) has gained significant attention as a preliminary treatment step in Minimum Liquid Discharge (MLD) and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) schemes. This study focused on the potential of two underexplored commercial polyamide based NF membranes, Synder NFX and Vontron VNF1, with enhanced divalent over monovalent separation factors, in optimizing the extraction of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) from seawater and seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) brines. The research encompassed a thorough characterization of the membranes utilizing advanced physic-chemical analytical techniques, followed by rigorous experimental assessments using synthetic seawater and SWRO brine in concentration configuration. The findings highlighted the superior selectivity of NFX for magnesium recovery from SWRO brine and the promising concentration factors of VNF1 for seawater treatment. Cross-validation of experimental data with a mathematical model demonstrated the model's reliability as a process design tool in predicting membrane performance. A comprehensive techno-economic evaluation demonstrates the potential of NFX, operating optimally at 23 bar pressure and 70% permeate recovery rate, to yield an estimated annual revenue of 5.683 M€/yr through Mg(OH)2 production from SWRO brine for a plant with a nominal capacity of 0.8 Mm3/y. This research shed light on the promising role of NF membranes in enhancing mineral recovery taking benefit of their separation factors and emphasizes the economic viability of leveraging NF technology for maximizing magnesium recovery from seawater and SWRO brines.