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Yaqub M, Nguyen MN, Lee W. Treating reverse osmosis concentrate to address scaling and fouling problems in zero-liquid discharge systems: A scientometric review of global trends. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 844:157081. [PMID: 35780878 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Currently, reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) treatment is one of the most promising techniques for its disposal because it produces freshwater with high recovery and valuable materials such as salts and reduces waste volume and environmental pollution. Public attention to the severe consequences of water pollution and strict environmental regulations on wastewater discharge has pushed water-polluting industries toward zero-liquid discharge (ZLD). However, scaling and fouling problems increase energy consumption and limit permeate flux at high salt concentrations, mainly due to calcium, magnesium, and silica precipitation, ultimately decreasing ZLD performance. Therefore, this study discusses drivers and ROC pretreatment technologies to improve ZLD efficiency and presents a scientometric review of global trends. The advantages, disadvantages, and economic and environmental aspects of conventional and emerging pre-treatment technologies were studied. Traditional treatment of chemical processes combined with precipitation removes a large amount of scaling ions; however, high operation and maintenance costs and limited full-scale plant experience are the main drawbacks. Softening and coagulation are most commonly applied to treat large volumes at a moderate cost; however, substantial sludge production and increased conductivity are major operational issues. Moreover, emerging technologies efficiently remove scale-forming ions with high capital and operating costs. New variations in standard reverse osmosis technologies have improved ZLD efficiency; nonetheless, scaling and fouling are of concern. Therefore, this review presents the studies on ROC pre-treatment technologies for removing scaling ions to enhance ZLD efficiency, which can help in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Yaqub
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mai Ngoc Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi, Republic of Korea
| | - Wontae Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi, Republic of Korea.
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Sabir A, Falath W, Shafiq M, Gull N, Wasim M, .I. Jacob K. Effective desalination and anti-biofouling performance via surface immobilized MWCNTs on RO membrane. Chin J Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2022.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Rolf J, Cao T, Huang X, Boo C, Li Q, Elimelech M. Inorganic Scaling in Membrane Desalination: Models, Mechanisms, and Characterization Methods. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:7484-7511. [PMID: 35666637 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic scaling caused by precipitation of sparingly soluble salts at supersaturation is a common but critical issue, limiting the efficiency of membrane-based desalination and brine management technologies as well as other engineered systems. A wide range of minerals including calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and silica precipitate during membrane-based desalination, limiting water recovery and reducing process efficiency. The economic impact of scaling on desalination processes requires understanding of its sources, causes, effects, and control methods. In this Critical Review, we first describe nucleation mechanisms and crystal growth theories, which are fundamental to understanding inorganic scale formation during membrane desalination. We, then, discuss the key mechanisms and factors that govern membrane scaling, including membrane properties, such as surface roughness, charge, and functionality, as well as feedwater characteristics, such as pH, temperature, and ionic strength. We follow with a critical review of current characterization techniques for both homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation, focusing on the strengths and limitations of each technique to elucidate scale-inducing mechanisms, observe actual crystal growth, and analyze the outcome of scaling behaviors of desalination membranes. We conclude with an outlook on research needs and future research directions to provide guidelines for scale mitigation in water treatment and desalination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne Rolf
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT), Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
| | - Tianchi Cao
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
| | - Xiaochuan Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, MS-519, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT), Rice University, MS 6398, 6100 Main Street, Houston 77005, United States
| | - Chanhee Boo
- Water Cycle Research Center, National Agenda Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Qilin Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, MS-519, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT), Rice University, MS 6398, 6100 Main Street, Houston 77005, United States
| | - Menachem Elimelech
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT), Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
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Matin A, Laoui T, Falath W, Farooque M. Fouling control in reverse osmosis for water desalination & reuse: Current practices & emerging environment-friendly technologies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 765:142721. [PMID: 33129530 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is becoming increasingly popular for seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation. However, fouling of the membranes adversely impacts the overall process efficiency and economics. To date, several strategies and approaches have been used in RO plants and investigated at the laboratory-scale for their effectiveness in the control of different fouling types. Amid growing concerns and stringent regulations for the conservation of environment, there is an increasing trend to identify technologies that are effective in fouling mitigation as well as friendly to the environment. The present review elaborates on the different types of environment-friendly technologies for membrane fouling control that are currently being used or under investigation. It commences with a brief introduction to the global water crisis and the potential of membrane-based processes in overcoming this problem. This is followed by a section on membrane fouling that briefly describes the major fouling types and their impact on the membrane performance. Section 3 discusses the predominant fouling control/prevention strategies including feedwater pretreatment, membrane and spacer surface modification and membrane cleaning. The currently employed techniques are discussed together with their drawbacks, with some light being shed on the emerging technologies that have the ability to overcome the current limitations. The penultimate section provides a detailed discussion on a variety of eco-friendly/chemical free techniques investigated to control different fouling types. These include both control and prevention strategies, for example, bioflocculation and electromagnetic fields, as well as remediation techniques such as osmotic backwashing and gas purging. In addition, quorum sensing has been specifically discussed for biofouling remediation. The promising findings from different studies are presented followed by a discussion on their drawbacks and limitations. The review concludes with a need for carrying out fundamental studies to develop better understanding of the eco-friendly processes discussed in the penultimate section and their optimization for possible integration into the RO plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asif Matin
- Center of Research Excellence in Desalination & Water Treatment, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Center for Environment & Water, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Tahar Laoui
- Dept. of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Desalination Research Group, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Wail Falath
- Center of Research Excellence in Desalination & Water Treatment, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Center for Environment & Water, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed Farooque
- Desalination Technologies Research Institute, Saline Water Conversion Corporation, Jubail, Saudi Arabia
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Huang X, Li C, Zuo K, Li Q. Predominant Effect of Material Surface Hydrophobicity on Gypsum Scale Formation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:15395-15404. [PMID: 33064949 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Scale formation is an important challenge in water and wastewater treatment systems. However, due to the complex nature of membrane surfaces, the effects of specific membrane surface characteristics on scale formation are poorly understood. In this study, the independent effect of surface hydrophobicity on gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) scale formation via surface-induced nucleation and bulk homogeneous nucleation was investigated using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) terminated with -OH, -CH3, and -CF3 functional groups. Results show that higher surface hydrophobicity enhances both surface-induced nucleation of gypsum and attachment of gypsum crystals formed from homogeneous nucleation in the bulk solution. The enhanced surface-induced nucleation is attributed to the lower nucleation energy barrier on a hydrophobic surface, while the increased gypsum crystal attachment results from the favorable hydrophobic interactions between gypsum and more hydrophobic surfaces. Contrary to previous findings, the role of Ca2+ adsorption in surface-induced nucleation was found to be relatively small and similar on the different SAMs. Therefore, increasing material hydrophilicity is a potential approach to reduce gypsum scaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, MS-519, 6100 Main Street, Houston 77005, United States
- NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Rice University, MS-6398, 6100 Main Street, Houston 77005, United States
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, MS-519, 6100 Main Street, Houston 77005, United States
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kuichang Zuo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, MS-519, 6100 Main Street, Houston 77005, United States
- NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Rice University, MS-6398, 6100 Main Street, Houston 77005, United States
| | - Qilin Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, MS-519, 6100 Main Street, Houston 77005, United States
- NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Rice University, MS-6398, 6100 Main Street, Houston 77005, United States
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Panagopoulos A, Haralambous KJ, Loizidou M. Desalination brine disposal methods and treatment technologies - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 693:133545. [PMID: 31374511 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Brine, also known as concentrate, is the by-product of the desalination process that has an adverse impact on the environment due to its high salinity. Hence, viable and cost-effective brine management systems are needed to reduce environmental pollution. Currently, various disposal methods have been practiced, including surface water discharge, sewer discharge, deep-well injection, evaporation ponds and land application. However, these brine disposal methods are unsustainable and restricted by high capital costs and non-universal application. Nowadays, brine treatment is considered one of the most promising alternatives to brine disposal, since treatment results in the reduction of environmental pollution, minimization of waste volume and production of freshwater with high recovery. This review article evaluates current practices in brine management, including disposal methods and treatment technologies. Based upon the side-by-side comparison of technologies, a brine treatment technology framework is introduced to outline the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) approach through high freshwater recovery and wastewater volume minimization. Furthermore, an overview of brine characteristics and its sources, as well as its negative impact on the environment is discussed. Finally, the paper highlights future research areas for brine treatment technologies aiming to enhance the effectiveness and viability of desalination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyris Panagopoulos
- Unit of Environmental Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou St., Zografou, 15780, Athens, Greece.
| | - Katherine-Joanne Haralambous
- Unit of Environmental Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou St., Zografou, 15780, Athens, Greece.
| | - Maria Loizidou
- Unit of Environmental Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou St., Zografou, 15780, Athens, Greece.
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Wasim M, Sabir A, Shafiq M, Islam A, Azam M, Jamil T. Mixed matrix membranes: Two step process modified with electrospun (carboxy methylcellulose sodium salt/sepiolite) fibers for nanofiltration. J IND ENG CHEM 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Shmulevsky M, Li X, Shemer H, Hasson D, Semiat R. Analysis of the onset of calcium sulfate scaling on RO membranes. J Memb Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2016.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Kostoglou M, Mitrouli ST, Karabelas AJ. Model Development and Experimental Data Analysis for Calcium Carbonate Membrane Scaling during Dead-End Filtration with Agitation. Ind Eng Chem Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.6b04063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margaritis Kostoglou
- Division
of Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Soultana T. Mitrouli
- Division
of Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Chemical
Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology - Hellas, sixth km Charilaou-Thermi Road, GR 57001 Thermi-Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasios J. Karabelas
- Chemical
Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology - Hellas, sixth km Charilaou-Thermi Road, GR 57001 Thermi-Thessaloniki, Greece
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