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Zihao L, Wang J, Cheng L, Yang Q, Li P, Dong X, Xu B, Zhi M, Hao A, Ng HY, Bi X. Alleviation of RO membrane fouling in wastewater reclamation plants using an enhanced acid-base chemical cleaning method. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 261:122039. [PMID: 39024800 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Membrane fouling has always been a critical constraint in the operation of the reverse osmosis (RO) process, and chemical cleaning is essential for mitigating membrane fouling and ensuring smooth operation of the membrane system. This paper presents an optimized chemical cleaning method for the efficient cleaning of RO membranes in full-scale applications. Compared to the regular cleaning method (cleaning with 0.1 % NaOH + 1 % ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid + 0.025 % sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate followed by 0.2 % HCl), the optimized cleaning method improves the cleaning efficiency by adding sodium chloride to the alkaline cleaning solution and citric acid to the acid cleaning solution. Notably, the membrane flux recovery rate with the optimized cleaning method is 45.74 %, and it improves the cleaning efficiency by 1.65 times compared to the regular cleaning method. Additionally, the optimized cleaning method removes 30.46 % of total foulants (organic and inorganic), which is 2.11 times higher than the regular cleaning method. The removal of inorganic ions such as Fe, Ca, and Mg is significantly improved with the optimized cleaning method. For organic matter removal, the optimized cleaning method effectively removes more polysaccharides, proteins, and microbial metabolites by disrupting the complex structures of organic matter. Furthermore, it also changes the microbial community structure on the RO membrane surface by eliminating microorganisms that cannot withstand strong acids, bases, and high salt environments. However, Mycobacterium can adapt to these harsh conditions, showing a relative abundance of up to 84.13 % after cleaning. Overall, our results provide a new chemical cleaning method for RO membranes in full-scale applications. This method effectively removes membrane foulants and enhances the understanding of the removal characteristics of foulants on RO membrane surfaces by chemical cleaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zihao
- School of Environmental & Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, 777, Jialingjiangdong Road, Qingdao, 266520, PR China; Center for Water Research, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, China
| | - Jinlong Wang
- Qingdao Jinlonghongye Environmental Protection Co. Ltd, 2 Tianbaoshan Road, Qingdao, 266510, PR China
| | - Lihua Cheng
- School of Environmental & Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, 777, Jialingjiangdong Road, Qingdao, 266520, PR China.
| | - Qiang Yang
- School of Environmental & Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, 777, Jialingjiangdong Road, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Peizhuo Li
- School of Environmental & Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, 777, Jialingjiangdong Road, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Xiaowan Dong
- School of Environmental & Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, 777, Jialingjiangdong Road, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
| | - Boyan Xu
- Center for Water Research, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, China
| | - Mei Zhi
- Center for Water Research, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, China
| | - Anni Hao
- Center for Water Research, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, China
| | - How Yong Ng
- Center for Water Research, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, China
| | - Xuejun Bi
- School of Environmental & Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, 777, Jialingjiangdong Road, Qingdao, 266520, PR China
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Ahmed MA, Mahmoud SA, Mohamed AA. Nanomaterials-modified reverse osmosis membranes: a comprehensive review. RSC Adv 2024; 14:18879-18906. [PMID: 38873545 PMCID: PMC11167617 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01796j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Because of its great efficiency and widespread application, reverse osmosis (RO) is a popular tool for water desalination and purification. However, traditional RO membranes have a short lifespan due to membrane fouling, deterioration, decreased salt rejection rate, and the low water flux with aging. As a result, membrane modification has received a lot of attention recently, with nanomaterials being extensively researched to improve membrane efficacy and lifespan. Herein, we present an in-depth analysis of recent advances of RO membranes modification utilizing nanomaterials. An overview of the various nanomaterials used for membrane modification, including metal oxides, zeolites, and carbon nanomaterials, is provided. The synthesis techniques and methods of integrating these nanomaterials into RO membranes are also discussed. The impacts of nanomaterial change on the performance of RO membranes are addressed. The underlying mechanisms responsible for RO membrane enhancements by nanomaterials, such as improved surface hydrophilicity, reduced membrane fouling via surface repulsion and anti-adhesion properties, and enhanced structural stability, are discussed. Furthermore, the review provides a critical analysis of the challenges and limitations associated with the use of nanomaterials to modify RO membranes. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the modification of RO membranes with nanomaterials, providing a full grasp of the benefits, challenges, and future prospects of this challenging topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Ahmed
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University Cairo-11566 Egypt
- Veolia Water Technologies Cairo 11835 Egypt
| | - Safwat A Mahmoud
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Northern Border University Arar 13211 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf A Mohamed
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University Cairo-11566 Egypt
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3
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Fayaz T, Rana SS, Goyal E, Ratha SK, Renuka N. Harnessing the potential of microalgae-based systems for mitigating pesticide pollution and its impact on their metabolism. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 357:120723. [PMID: 38565028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Due to increased pesticide usage in agriculture, a significant concentration of pesticides is reported in the environment that can directly impact humans, aquatic flora, and fauna. Utilizing microalgae-based systems for pesticide removal is becoming more popular because of their environmentally friendly nature, ability to degrade pesticide molecules into simpler, nontoxic molecules, and cost-effectiveness of the technology. Thus, this review focused on the efficiency, mechanisms, and factors governing pesticide removal using microalgae-based systems and their effect on microalgal metabolism. A wide range of pesticides, like atrazine, cypermethrin, malathion, trichlorfon, thiacloprid, etc., can be effectively removed by different microalgal strains. Some species of Chlorella, Chlamydomonas, Scenedesmus, Nostoc, etc., are documented for >90% removal of different pesticides, mainly through the biodegradation mechanism. The antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, as well as the complex structure of microalgae cell walls, are mainly involved in eliminating pesticides and are also crucial for the defense mechanism of microalgae against reactive oxygen species. However, higher pesticide concentrations may alter the biochemical composition and gene expression associated with microalgal growth and metabolism, which may vary depending on the type of strain, the pesticide type, and the concentration. The final section of this review discussed the challenges and prospects of how microalgae can become a successful tool to remediate pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tufail Fayaz
- Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Soujanya S Rana
- Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Esha Goyal
- Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Sachitra Kumar Ratha
- Algology Laboratory, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, 226001, India
| | - Nirmal Renuka
- Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India.
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Zhang H, Wang F, Guo Z. The antifouling mechanism and application of bio-inspired superwetting surfaces with effective antifouling performance. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 325:103097. [PMID: 38330881 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
With the rapid development of industries, the issue of pollution on Earth has become increasingly severe. This has led to the deterioration of various surfaces, rendering them ineffective for their intended purposes. Examples of such surfaces include oil rigs, seawater intakes, and more. A variety of functional surface techniques have been created to address these issues, including superwetting surfaces, antifouling coatings, nano-polymer composite materials, etc. They primarily exploit the membrane's surface properties and hydration layer to improve the antifouling property. In recent years, biomimetic superwetting surfaces with non-toxic and environmental characteristics have garnered massive attention, greatly aiding in solving the problem of pollution. In this work, a detailed presentation of antifouling superwetting materials was made, including superhydrophobic surface, superhydrophilic surface, and superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic surface, along with the antifouling mechanisms. Then, the applications of the superwetting antifouling materials in antifouling domain were addressed in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayang Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Fengyi Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Zhiguang Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
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Bai S, Han J, Ao N, Ya R, Ding W. Scaling and cleaning of silica scales on reverse osmosis membrane: Effective removal and degradation mechanisms utilizing gallic acid. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141427. [PMID: 38368964 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Silica scaling on membranes represents one of the most important issues in industrial water systems because of its complex composition and difficulty in removal. However, there is a lack of understanding of the mechanisms for cleaning silica scales from reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. To address this research gap, this study investigated the scaling and cleaning behavior of silica on RO membrane processes, with a specific focus on the silica scale cleaning mechanism using gallic acid (GA). The membrane flux continuously decreased with operation time, even at the lowest initial silicic acid concentration, owing to silica scale blockage. The GA solution exhibited a strong efficacy in cleaning silica-scaling RO membranes. The membrane flux returned to 89.7% of the initial value by removing 81.87% of the silica scale within the first 30 min of the study period. The cleaning mechanism of GA involved its adsorption onto the surface of silica scale particles to form a surface complex and subsequently transition into a water-soluble 1:3 complex within the solution. This complex interaction facilitated the gradual decomposition of the silica scales that adhered to the membrane surface. This study has valuable implications for the development of efficient and effective silica scale cleaning solutions, providing insights into the complex interplay between GA and silica scaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Bai
- Green Intelligence Environmental School, Yangtze Normal University, No. 16 Juxian Road, Fuling, Chongqing, 408100, PR China.
| | - Jue Han
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No.38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, PR China
| | - Niqi Ao
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, No. 500 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Ru Ya
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, No. 235 West University Road, Saihan District, Hohhot, 010021, PR China
| | - Wei Ding
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, No. 235 West University Road, Saihan District, Hohhot, 010021, PR China
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Yadav M, Osonga FJ, Sadik OA. Unveiling nano-empowered catalytic mechanisms for PFAS sensing, removal and destruction in water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169279. [PMID: 38123092 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are organofluorine compounds used to manufacture various industrial and consumer goods. Due to their excellent physical and thermal stability ascribed to the strong CF bond, these are ubiquitously present globally and difficult to remediate. Extensive toxicological and epidemiological studies have confirmed these substances to cause adverse health effects. With the increasing literature on the environmental impact of PFAS, the regulations and research have also expanded. Researchers worldwide are working on the detection and remediation of PFAS. Many methods have been developed for their sensing, removal, and destruction. Amongst these methods, nanotechnology has emerged as a sustainable and affordable solution due to its tunable surface properties, high sorption capacities, and excellent reactivities. This review comprehensively discusses the recently developed nanoengineered materials used for detecting, sequestering, and destroying PFAS from aqueous matrices. Innovative designs of nanocomposites and their efficiency for the sensing, removal, and degradation of these persistent pollutants are reviewed, and key insights are analyzed. The mechanistic details and evidence available to support the cleavage of the CF bond during the treatment of PFAS in water are critically examined. Moreover, it highlights the challenges during PFAS quantification and analysis, including the analysis of intermediates in transitioning nanotechnologies from the laboratory to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manavi Yadav
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institutes of Technology (NJIT), United States of America
| | - Francis J Osonga
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institutes of Technology (NJIT), United States of America
| | - Omowunmi A Sadik
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institutes of Technology (NJIT), United States of America.
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Kim WJ, Park HW, Heldman DR. Clean-In-Place (CIP) wastewater management using nanofiltration (NF)-forward osmosis (FO)-direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD): Effects of draw salt. Food Res Int 2024; 178:113939. [PMID: 38309867 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.113939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
A substantial amount of water is being used during Clean-in-Place (CIP) operation, and is transformed into wastewater that can cause eutrophication to the nearby ecosystem. The present study proposed the Nanofiltration (NF) - Forward Osmosis (FO) - Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) to recover the cleaning agents and reclaim freshwater from the model CIP wastewater. NF steps were suggested as prefiltration steps to remove organic compounds from the CIP wastewater. NF steps reduced the lactose and protein contents by 100 % and 95.6 %, respectively. The permeates from NF steps were further managed by the integrated FO-DCMD system. Several draw salts such as NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2 were compared to investigate the influence on FO and DCMD performance. It was found that monovalent salts (NaCl and KCl) outperformed the divalent salts (MgCl2 and CaCl2) in terms of water flux for both FO and DCMD. This can be attributed to the lower viscosity and higher mass transfer coefficient. In addition, the replenishment costs of each salt were evaluated since salts loss occurred during FO and DCMD operation. The cost evaluation revealed that NaCl is most the cheapest salts per reclaimed water. All of this observation indicates that NaCl is preferred in terms of water flux and replenishment cost. The NF permeate kept concentrated using the integrated FO-DCMD or single FO with 2 M of NaCl. Compared to a single FO that showed a consistent decline in draw solution concentration, FO-DCMD could maintain the concentration of the draw solution. Despite the constant concentration, flux decline of FO was observed due to fouling formation caused by the high-temperature operation. However, the FO-DCMD could accomplish the recovery of pure water. Finally, the cleaning agents recovered by the NF-FO-DCMD showed the cleaning efficacy comparable to the fresh NaOH. These results suggest the potential of the proposed system to manage the CIP wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Ju Kim
- Dale A. Seiberling Food Engineering Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA; Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Woo Park
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California-Davis, Daivs, CA 95616, USA
| | - Dennis R Heldman
- Dale A. Seiberling Food Engineering Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA; Dale A. Seiberling Food Engineering Laboratory, Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
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8
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Aouni A, Tounakti R, Ahmed BA, Hafiane A. Hybrid electrochemical/membrane couplings processes for enhancing seawater pretreatment and desalination. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e10979. [PMID: 38264925 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
This research focuses on boosting seawater pretreatment and desalination through electrocoagulation (EC)/ultrafiltration (UF) and electrocoagulation (EC)/nanofiltration (NF) processes. We first optimized the key parameters of the EC process using aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) electrodes. Experimental results show EC process is efficient under optimal conditions. Second, membrane filtration using UF (ES10B), NF(UTC60) and NF(200) as post-processing steps to the EC process were experimented with. EC(Al)/NF(UTC60) combination resulted in the highest removal rate of organic matter (COD 98%, TOC 95%, fluorescence [humic and fulvic acids] 68%), optical density (OD600nm 75%, turbidity 70%, conductivity 64%). In terms of major ions removal, up to 55% was achieved as NF decreases conductivity, salinity, and hardness. EC(Al)/NF(UTC60) seawater permeate demonstrated the best results in terms of lowest flux decline (J/Jo = 0.9) and fouling, which was realized by resistance in series and recovery factor rate (%). Additionally, NF(UTC60) fouling reversibility led to a longer lifetime and higher recovery factor (93%). PRACTITIONER POINTS: Pretreatment by hybrid processes was experimented with to enhance the saline water treatment. Organic matter (COD 98%, TOC 95%, fluorescence [humic and fulvic acids] 68%) and turbidity were successfully removed. Salinity and hardness (conductivity 64%) were highly reduced by NF. Flux decline, retention rate, and membrane fouling were studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Aouni
- Laboratory of Water, Membranes and Environmental Biotechnology, CERTE, Soliman, Tunisia
| | - Rim Tounakti
- Laboratory of Water, Membranes and Environmental Biotechnology, CERTE, Soliman, Tunisia
| | - Badiaa Ait Ahmed
- Department of Computer Science Engineering, SIGL-Lab, ENSATe, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Amor Hafiane
- Laboratory of Water, Membranes and Environmental Biotechnology, CERTE, Soliman, Tunisia
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Chen C, Lu L, Fei L, Xu J, Wang B, Li B, Shen L, Lin H. Membrane-catalysis integrated system for contaminants degradation and membrane fouling mitigation: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166220. [PMID: 37591402 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The integration of catalytic degradation and membrane separation processes not only enables continuous degradation of contaminants but also effectively alleviates inevitable membrane fouling, demonstrating fascinating practical value for efficient water purification. Such membrane-catalysis integrated system (MCIS) has attracted tremendous research interest from scientists in chemical engineering and environmental science recently. In this review, the advantages of MCIS are discussed, including the membrane structure regulation, stable catalyst loading, nano-confinement effect, and efficient natural organic matter (NOM) exclusion, highlighting the synergistic effect between membrane separation and catalytic process. Subsequently, the design considerations for the fabrication of catalytic membranes, including substrate membrane, catalytic material, and fabrication method, are comprehensively summarized. Afterward, the mechanisms and performance of MCIS based on different catalytic types, including liquid-phase oxidants/reductants involved MCIS, gas involved MCIS, photocatalysis involved MCIS, and electrocatalysis involved MCIS are reviewed in detail. Finally, the research direction and future perspectives of catalytic membranes for water purification are proposed. The current review provides an in-depth understanding of the design of catalytic membranes and facilitates their further development for practical applications in efficient water purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chen
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University Jinhua, 321004, China.
| | - Lun Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Lingya Fei
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University Jinhua, 321004, China.
| | - Jiujing Xu
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University Jinhua, 321004, China.
| | - Boya Wang
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University Jinhua, 321004, China.
| | - Bisheng Li
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University Jinhua, 321004, China.
| | - Liguo Shen
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University Jinhua, 321004, China.
| | - Hongjun Lin
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University Jinhua, 321004, China.
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Hasanin G, Mosquera AM, Emwas AH, Altmann T, Das R, Buijs PJ, Vrouwenvelder JS, Gonzalez-Gil G. The microbial growth potential of antiscalants used in seawater desalination. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 233:119802. [PMID: 36871379 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
20 years since the first report on the biofouling potential of chemicals used for scale control, still, antiscalants with high bacterial growth potential are used in practice. Evaluating the bacterial growth potential of commercially available antiscalants is therefore essential for a rational selection of these chemicals. Previous antiscalant growth potential tests were conducted in drinking water or seawater inoculated with model bacterial species which do not represent natural bacterial communities. To reflect better on the conditions of desalination systems, we investigated the bacterial growth potential of eight different antiscalants in natural seawater and an autochthonous bacterial population as inoculum. The antiscalants differed strongly in their bacterial growth potential varying from ≤ 1 to 6 μg easily biodegradable C equivalents/mg antiscalant. The six phosphonate-based antiscalants investigated showed a broad range of growth potential, which depended on their chemical composition, whilst the biopolymer and the synthetic carboxylated polymers-based antiscalants showed limited or no significant bacterial growth. Moreover, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) scans enabled antiscalant fingerprinting, identifying components and contaminants, providing a rapid and sensitive characterization, and opening opportunities for rational selection of antiscalants for biofouling control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghadeer Hasanin
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ana Maria Mosquera
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Advanced Nanofabrication Imaging and Characterization, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thomas Altmann
- Innovation and New Technology, ACWA Power, 41st Floor, The One Tower, Barsha Heights, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ratul Das
- Innovation and New Technology, ACWA Power, 41st Floor, The One Tower, Barsha Heights, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Paulus J Buijs
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Graciela Gonzalez-Gil
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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Ahmed MA, Amin S, Mohamed AA. Fouling in reverse osmosis membranes: monitoring, characterization, mitigation strategies and future directions. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14908. [PMID: 37064488 PMCID: PMC10102236 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Water scarcity has been a global challenge for many countries over the past decades, and as a result, reverse osmosis (RO) has emerged as a promising and cost-effective tool for water desalination and wastewater remediation. Currently, RO accounts for >65% of the worldwide desalination capacity; however, membrane fouling is a major issue in RO processes. Fouling reduces the membrane's lifespan and permeability, while also increases the operating pressure and chemical cleaning frequency. Overall, fouling reduces the quality and quantity of desalinated water, and thus hinders the sustainable application of RO membranes by disturbing its efficacy and economic aspects. Fouling arises from various physicochemical interactions between water pollutants and membrane materials leading to foulants' accumulation onto the membrane surfaces and/or inside the membrane pores. The current review illustrates the main types of particulates, organic, inorganic and biological foulants, along with the major factors affecting its formation and development. Moreover, the currently used monitoring methods, characterization techniques and the potential mitigation strategies of membrane fouling are reviewed. Further, the still-faced challenges and the future research on RO membrane fouling are addressed.
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12
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Al-Amshawee SKA, Yunus MYBM. Electrodialysis desalination: The impact of solution flowrate (or Reynolds number) on fluid dynamics throughout membrane spacers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115115. [PMID: 36574794 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The incorporation of a spacer among membranes has a major influence on fluid dynamics and performance metrics. Spacers create feed channels and operate as turbulence promoters to increase mixing and reduce concentration/temperature polarization effects. However, spacer geometry remains unoptimized, and studies continue to investigate a wide range of commercial and custom-made spacer designs. The in-depth discussion of the present systematic review seeks to discover the influence of Reynolds number or solution flowrate on flow hydrodynamics throughout a spacer-filled channel. A fast-flowing solution sweeping one membrane's surface first, then the neighboring membrane's surface produces good mixing action, which does not happen commonly at laminar solution flowrates. A sufficient flowrate can suppress the polarization layer, which may normally require the utilization of a simple feed channel rather than complex spacer configurations. When a recirculation eddy occurs, it disrupts the continuous flow and effectively curves the linear fluid courses. The higher the flowrate, the better the membrane performance, the higher the critical flux (or recovery rate), and the lower the inherent limitations of spacer design, spacer shadow effect, poor channel hydrodynamics, and high concentration polarization. In fact, critical flow achieves an acceptable balance between improving flow dynamics and reducing the related trade-offs, such as pressure losses and the occurrence of concentration polarization throughout the cell. If the necessary technical flowrate is not used, the real concentration potential for transport is relatively limited at low velocities than would be predicted based on bulk concentrations. Electrodialysis stack therefore may suffer from the dissociation of water molecules. Next studies should consider that applying a higher flowrate results in greater process efficiency, increased mass transfer potential at the membrane interface, and reduced stack thermal and electrical resistance, where pressure drop should always be indicated as a consequence of the spacer and circumstances used, rather than a problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohd Yusri Bin Mohd Yunus
- Centre for Sustainability of Ecosystem & Earth Resources (Earth Centre), Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300, Pahang, Malaysia; Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300, Pahang, Malaysia
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13
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Ilyas A, Vankelecom IFJ. Designing sustainable membrane-based water treatment via fouling control through membrane interface engineering and process developments. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 312:102834. [PMID: 36634445 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-based water treatment processes have been established as a powerful approach for clean water production. However, despite the significant advances made in terms of rejection and flux, provision of sustainable and energy-efficient water production is restricted by the inevitable issue of membrane fouling, known to be the major contributor to the elevated operating costs due to frequent chemical cleaning, increased transmembrane resistance, and deterioration of permeate flux. This review provides an overview of fouling control strategies in different membrane processes, such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, membrane bioreactors, and desalination via reverse osmosis and forward osmosis. Insights into the recent advancements are discussed and efforts made in terms of membrane development, modules arrangement, process optimization, feed pretreatment, and fouling monitoring are highlighted to evaluate their overall impact in energy- and cost-effective water treatment. Major findings in four key aspects are presented, including membrane surface modification, modules design, process integration, and fouling monitoring. Among the above mentioned anti-fouling strategies, a large part of research has been focused on membrane surface modifications using a number of anti-fouling materials whereas much less research has been devoted to membrane module advancements and in-situ fouling monitoring and control. At the end, a critical analysis is provided for each anti-fouling strategy and a rationale framework is provided for design of efficient membranes and process for water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Ilyas
- Membrane Technology Group (MTG), Division cMACS, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2454, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivo F J Vankelecom
- Membrane Technology Group (MTG), Division cMACS, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2454, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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14
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Cheng Y, Xia C, Garalleh HA, Garaleh M, Lan Chi NT, Brindhadevi K. A review on optimistic development of polymeric nanocomposite membrane on environmental remediation. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 315:137706. [PMID: 36592836 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Current health and environmental concerns about the abundance and drawbacks of municipal wastewater as well as industrial effluent have prompted the development of novel and innovative treatment processes. A global shortage of clean water poses significant challenges to the survival of all life forms. For the removal of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable harmful wastes/pollutants from water, sophisticated wastewater treatment technologies are required. Polymer membrane technology is critical to overcoming this major challenge. Polymer matrix-based nanocomposite membranes are among the most popular in polymer membrane technology in terms of convenience. These membranes and their major components are environmentally friendly, energy efficient, cost effective, operationally versatile, and feasible. This review provides an overview of the drawbacks as well as promising developments in polymer membrane and nanocomposite membranes for environmental remediation, with a focus on wastewater treatment. Additionally, the advantages of nanocomposite membranes such as stability, antimicrobial properties, and adsorption processes have been discussed. The goal of this review was to summarize the remediation of harmful pollutants from water and wastewater/effluent using polymer matrix-based nanocomposite membrane technology, and to highlight its shortcomings and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqin Cheng
- Nanjing Station of Quality Protection in Cultivated Land, Nanjing, 210036, China
| | - Changlei Xia
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210037, China
| | - Hakim Al Garalleh
- Department of Mathematical Science, College of Engineering, University of Business and Technology-Dahban, Jeddah, 21361, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazen Garaleh
- Department of Mathematical Science, College of Engineering, University of Business and Technology-Dahban, Jeddah, 21361, Saudi Arabia; Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tafila Technical University, Tafila, 66141, Jordan
| | - Nguyen Thuy Lan Chi
- School of Engineering and Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Kathirvel Brindhadevi
- Computational Engineering and Design Research Group, School of Engineering and Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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15
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Al-Amshawee SKA, Mohd Yunus MYB. Impact of Membrane Spacers on Concentration Polarization, Flow Profile, and Fouling at Ion Exchange Membranes of Electrodialysis Desalination: Diagonal Net Spacer Vs. Ladder-Type Configuration. Chem Eng Res Des 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2023.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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16
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Du X, Li Z, Peng Z, Zhang Z, Xiao M, Wang Z, Yang Y, Li X. A facile green "wastes-treat-wastes" strategy: Electrogenerated chloramines for nanofiltration concentrate recirculation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120465. [PMID: 36273691 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Use of nanofiltration (NF) membrane to reuse the secondary wastewater suffers from severer biofouling and refractory concentrate. To realize sustainable NF membrane processes in water purification, the electro-oxidation (EO) process using boron-doped diamond (BDD) anodes was applied in current study to treat the NF concentrate for removal of organic contaminates and nutrients using simultaneously controllable in-situ generation of chloramines. The electrolytic effluent would be mixed with the raw secondary wastewater as the feed of subsequent NF process for conducting chloramination to mitigate membrane biofouling. It was found that under a constant current density of 30 mA/cm2, the chloramine formed with the electrolysis while its concentration reached the maximum at 30 min of electrolysis when NH3-N was 7 mg/L and Cl- concentration was below 500 mg/L. The complete elimination of antibiotics and bacteria can be attained in the hybrid NF-EO process thanks to the in-situ simultaneous generation of large amount of chloramine. In particular, the membrane biofouling was effectively alleviated to maintain a stable permeate flux during the 160-h period of sustainable operation. Our study provides a promising "wastes-treat-wastes" strategy for sustainable reuse of secondary wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Du
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Ziyang Li
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Zhitian Peng
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, PR China
| | - Mengyao Xiao
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Zhihong Wang
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Faculty of Physics, Bielefeld University, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Xianhui Li
- Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, PR China.
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17
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Chiao YH, Nakagawa K, Matsuba M, Okamoto M, Shintani T, Sasaki Y, Yoshioka T, Kamio E, Wickramasinghe SR, Matsuyama H. Comparison of Fouling Behavior in Cellulose Triacetate Membranes Applied in Forward and Reverse Osmosis. Ind Eng Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c02790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Chiao
- Research Center for Membrane and Film Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
| | - Keizo Nakagawa
- Research Center for Membrane and Film Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
| | - Mayu Matsuba
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
| | - Masanao Okamoto
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
| | - Takuji Shintani
- Research Center for Membrane and Film Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
| | - Yuji Sasaki
- Research Center for Membrane and Film Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Yoshioka
- Research Center for Membrane and Film Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
| | - Eiji Kamio
- Research Center for Membrane and Film Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
| | - S. Ranil Wickramasinghe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas72701, United States
| | - Hideto Matsuyama
- Research Center for Membrane and Film Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe657-8501, Japan
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18
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The Application of Cellulose Acetate Membranes for Separation of Fermentation Broths by the Reverse Osmosis: A Feasibility Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911738. [PMID: 36233037 PMCID: PMC9569766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been a special research focus on the bioconversion of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) due to its significance in the chemical industry. However, the treatment and separation of fermentation broths is a great challenge. Currently, the reverse osmosis (RO) process is a reliable state-of-the-art technique for separation of biological solutions. This study (as the first to do so) investigated the feasibility of separation of 1,3-PD broths with the use of cellulose acetate (CA) membrane by the RO process. The experiments were carried out using the installation equipped with the plate module, under the transmembrane pressure (TMP) and temperature of 1 MPa and 298 K, respectively. It was found that the used membrane was suitable for broth separation. Indeed, it was noted that 1,3-PD, as a target product, migrated through the membrane; meanwhile, other broth components were rejected in various degrees. Moreover, it was proven that retention of carboxylic acids tended to increase with increasing molecular weight, according to the following order: succinic acid > lactic acid > acetic acid > formic acid. With regards to ions, retention degree increased with the increase of ionic radius and decrease of diffusion coefficient. Finally, it was demonstrated that the CA membrane is resistant to irreversible fouling, which has a positive effect on the economic viability of the process.
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El Sayed MM, Abulnour AMG, Tewfik SR, Sorour MH, Hani HA, Shaalan HF. Reverse Osmosis Membrane Zero Liquid Discharge for Agriculture Drainage Water Desalination: Technical, Economic, and Environmental Assessment. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12100923. [PMID: 36295682 PMCID: PMC9612060 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12100923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural drainage water (ADW) represents a potential source for fresh water after receiving appropriate treatments to satisfy the water quality requirements. Desalination of ADW with medium salinity and moderate contamination with organic and inorganic chemical pollutants could provide a techno-economically feasible approach for facing water scarcity in arid areas. The current work presents a conceptual zero liquid discharge ADW desalination system proposed to treat 300,000 m3/d. The system is based on pretreatment to remove impurities harmful to desalination by staged reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. The brine from the last RO stage is treated via thermal vapor compression followed by evaporation in solar ponds to recover more fresh water and salts of economic value. The essential technical features of the proposed system components are formulated. The proposed system components and its technical and economic indicators are deduced using available software for water pretreatment, RO membrane, desalination, thermal desalination, and solar evaporation ponds. The system provides total distilled water recovery of about 98% viz. 294,000 m3/d in addition to recovered salts of 245,000 t/y. The net cost of water production amounts to USD 0.46 /m3. The environmental considerations of the system are addressed and advantages of applying zero liquid discharge system are elucidated.
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20
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Lejarazu-Larrañaga A, Landaburu-Aguirre J, Senán-Salinas J, Ortiz JM, Molina S. Thin Film Composite Polyamide Reverse Osmosis Membrane Technology towards a Circular Economy. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12090864. [PMID: 36135883 PMCID: PMC9502371 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12090864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination will produce, by 2025, more than 2,000,000 end-of-life membranes annually worldwide. This review examines the implementation of circular economy principles in RO technology through a comprehensive analysis of the RO membrane life cycle (manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life management). Future RO design should incorporate a biobased composition (biopolymers, recycled materials, and green solvents), improve the durability of the membranes (fouling and chlorine resistance), and facilitate the recyclability of the modules. Moreover, proper membrane maintenance at the usage phase, attained through the implementation of feed pre-treatment, early fouling detection, and membrane cleaning methods can help extend the service time of RO elements. Currently, end-of-life membranes are dumped in landfills, which is contrary to the waste hierarchy. This review analyses up to now developed alternative valorisation routes of end-of-life RO membranes, including reuse, direct and indirect recycling, and energy recovery, placing a special focus on emerging indirect recycling strategies. Lastly, Life Cycle Assessment is presented as a holistic methodology to evaluate the environmental and economic burdens of membrane recycling strategies. According to the European Commission's objectives set through the Green Deal, future perspectives indicate that end-of-life membrane valorisation strategies will keep gaining increasing interest in the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jorge Senán-Salinas
- BETA Tech. Center, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra. de Roda, 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Ortiz
- IMDEA Water Institute, Avenida Punto Com, 2, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Serena Molina
- IMDEA Water Institute, Avenida Punto Com, 2, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
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21
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Engstler R, Reipert J, Karimi S, Vukušić JL, Heinzler F, Davies P, Ulbricht M, Barbe S. A Reverse Osmosis Process to Recover and Recycle Trivalent Chromium from Electroplating Wastewater. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:853. [PMID: 36135873 PMCID: PMC9505331 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12090853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Electroplating generates high volumes of rinse water that is contaminated with heavy metals. This study presents an approach for direct metal recovery and recycling from simulated rinse water, made up of an electroplating electrolyte used in industry, using reverse osmosis (RO). To simulate the real industrial application, the process was examined at various permeate fluxes, ranging from 3.75 to 30 L·m−2·h−1 and hydraulic pressures up to 80 bar. Although permeance decreased significantly with increasing water recovery, rejections of up to 93.8% for boric acid, >99.9% for chromium and 99.6% for sulfate were observed. The final RO retentate contained 8.40 g/L chromium and was directly used in Hull cell electroplating tests. It was possible to deposit cold-hued chromium layers under a wide range of relevant current densities, demonstrating the reusability of the concentrate of the rinsing water obtained by RO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Engstler
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, TH Köln—University of Applied Sciences, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany
- Department of Technical Chemistry II, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Reipert
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, TH Köln—University of Applied Sciences, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany
- BIA Kunststoff-und Galvanotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, 42655 Solingen, Germany
| | - Somayeh Karimi
- School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2FG, UK
| | - Josipa Lisičar Vukušić
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, TH Köln—University of Applied Sciences, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Felix Heinzler
- BIA Kunststoff-und Galvanotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, 42655 Solingen, Germany
| | - Philip Davies
- School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2FG, UK
| | - Mathias Ulbricht
- Department of Technical Chemistry II, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Stéphan Barbe
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, TH Köln—University of Applied Sciences, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany
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22
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Ouyang R, Huang B, Wei CH, Rong H, Yu H, Qu F, Xiao K, Huang X. Cake Layer Fouling Potential Characterization for Wastewater Reverse Osmosis via Gradient Filtration. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12080810. [PMID: 36005725 PMCID: PMC9414383 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12080810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
It is of great importance to quantitatively characterize feed fouling potential for the effective and efficient prevention and control of reverse osmosis membrane fouling. A gradient filtration method with microfiltration (MF 0.45 μm) → ultrafiltration (UF 100 kDa) → nanofiltration (NF 300 Da) was proposed to extract the cake layer fouling index, I, of different feed foulants in this study. MF, UF, and NF showed high rejection of model suspended solids (kaolin), colloids (sodium alginate and bovine serum albumin), and dissolved organic matters (humic acid) during constant-pressure individual filtration tests, where the cake layer was the dominant fouling mechanism, with I showing a good linear positive correlation with the foulant concentration. MF → UF → NF gradient filtration tests of synthetic wastewater (i.e., model mixture) showed that combined models were more effective than single models to analyze membrane fouling mechanisms. For each membrane of gradient filtration, I showed a positive correlation with the targeted foulant concentration. Therefore, a quantitative assessment method based on MF → UF → NF gradient filtration, the correlation of combined fouling models, and the calculation of I would be useful for characterizing the fouling potentials of different foulants. This method was further successfully applied for characterizing the fouling potential of real wastewater (i.e., sludge supernatant from a membrane bioreactor treating dyeing and finishing wastewater).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rulu Ouyang
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bin Huang
- China Railway Conservancy & Hydropower Planning and Design Group Co., Ltd., Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Chun-Hai Wei
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Correspondence: (C.-H.W.); (K.X.)
| | - Hongwei Rong
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huarong Yu
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fangshu Qu
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Kang Xiao
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
- Correspondence: (C.-H.W.); (K.X.)
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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23
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Zuo J, Chow CA, Dumée LF, Prince AJ. A Zero-Brine Discharge Seawater Desalination Using a Pilot-Scale Membrane Distillation System Integrated with Crystallizer. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:799. [PMID: 36005714 PMCID: PMC9414708 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12080799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The management of brines generated from reverse osmosis operation remains a critical challenge requiring new approaches and processes to limit the impact of brine discharge onto ecosystems and to enhance both water and valuable resource recovery. The treatment of real seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) brines (45,000 ppm TDS) obtained from a local Singaporean desalination plant with a crystallizer integrated pilot-scale membrane distillation unit (MDC) was studied. Commercial STOMATE® hollow fiber membranes were used in vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) configuration, leading to an average flux of around 3.7 L/m2-h at a permeate vacuum of 80 kPa and an average feed temperature of 65 °C. Consistent separation operations were achieved for the treatment of real SWRO brine over a period of 280 h; this led to a water recovery of >95% and to the collection of salt slurries, containing up to ~10−20 wt% of moisture, from the crystallizer. This approach demonstrates the potential of MDC systems to achieve zero brine discharge efficiently from seawater desalination systems, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to manage brines by increasing water recovery and generating salt slurries of economic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zuo
- Food Chemical and Biotechnology, Singapore Institute of Technology, 10 Dover Drive, Singapore 138683, Singapore
| | - Chin Ann Chow
- Food Chemical and Biotechnology, Singapore Institute of Technology, 10 Dover Drive, Singapore 138683, Singapore
| | - Ludovic F. Dumée
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Treatment (CMAT), Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Antony J. Prince
- Memsift Innovations Pte Ltd., 192 Pandan Loop, Singapore 128381, Singapore
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24
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Abramovich S, Dutta D, Rizza C, Santoro S, Aquino M, Cupolillo A, Occhiuzzi J, Russa MFL, Ghosh B, Farias D, Locatelli A, Boukhvalov DW, Agarwal A, Curcio E, Bar Sadan M, Politano A. NiSe and CoSe Topological Nodal-Line Semimetals: A Sustainable Platform for Efficient Thermoplasmonics and Solar-Driven Photothermal Membrane Distillation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2201473. [PMID: 35808958 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The control of heat at the nanoscale via the excitation of localized surface plasmons in nanoparticles (NPs) irradiated with light holds great potential in several fields (cancer therapy, catalysis, desalination). To date, most thermoplasmonic applications are based on Ag and Au NPs, whose cost of raw materials inevitably limits the scalability for industrial applications requiring large amounts of photothermal NPs, as in the case of desalination plants. On the other hand, alternative nanomaterials proposed so far exhibit severe restrictions associated with the insufficient photothermal efficacy in the visible, the poor chemical stability, and the challenging scalability. Here, it is demonstrated the outstanding potential of NiSe and CoSe topological nodal-line semimetals for thermoplasmonics. The anisotropic dielectric properties of NiSe and CoSe activate additional plasmonic resonances. Specifically, NiSe and CoSe NPs support multiple localized surface plasmons in the optical range, resulting in a broadband matching with sunlight radiation spectrum. Finally, it is validated the proposed NiSe and CoSe-based thermoplasmonic platform by implementing solar-driven membrane distillation by adopting NiSe and CoSe nanofillers embedded in a polymeric membrane for seawater desalination. Remarkably, replacing Ag with NiSe and CoSe for solar membrane distillation increases the transmembrane flux by 330% and 690%, respectively. Correspondingly, costs of raw materials are also reduced by 24 and 11 times, respectively. The results pave the way for the advent of NiSe and CoSe for efficient and sustainable thermoplasmonics and related applications exploiting sunlight within the paradigm of the circular blue economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shir Abramovich
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University, Be'er Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Debasis Dutta
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
| | - Carlo Rizza
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Sergio Santoro
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci CUBO 44A, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
| | - Marco Aquino
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci CUBO 44A, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
| | - Anna Cupolillo
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci cubo 31/C, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
| | - Jessica Occhiuzzi
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Mauro Francesco La Russa
- Department of Biology, Ecology, and Earth Sciences, Università della Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, cubo 12/B, Arcavacata di, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
| | - Barun Ghosh
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
| | - Daniel Farias
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Instituto "Nicolás Cabrera", Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Condensed Matter Physics Center (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Andrea Locatelli
- Elettra-Sincrotrone S.C.p.A, S.S. 14-km 163.5 in AREA Science Park, Trieste, 34149, Italy
- College of Science, Institute of Materials Physics and Chemistry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, P. R. China
| | - Danil W Boukhvalov
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben Gurion University, Be'er Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Amit Agarwal
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
| | - Efrem Curcio
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci CUBO 44A, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
- Seligenda Membrane Technologies s.r.l., c/o University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci Cubo 45A, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
| | - Maya Bar Sadan
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University, Be'er Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Antonio Politano
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
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Viet ND, Jang A. Fertilizer draw solution index in osmotic membrane bioreactor for simultaneous wastewater treatment and sustainable agriculture. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 296:134002. [PMID: 35181424 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the feasibility of applying a novel protocol for constructing a fertilizer draw solution (DS) index used in osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR) for simultaneous wastewater treatment and sustainable fertigation. The results indicated that system performance (i.e., water flux, reverse salt flux, contaminant removal) varied critically under different fertilizers. In which, the highest water recovery (∼60%) was observed with potassium chloride (KCl), whereas the lowest value (∼20%) was observed with ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), which corresponded to the highest reverse salt flux. With all fertilizers, the membrane fouling layer thickness was in the range of 15.7-45.7 μm. The foulant were mostly irreversible and hydrophilic, with protein and polysaccharides were the dominant compounds. NH4NO3 and NH4H2PO4 (MAP) fertilizers caused the highest and lowest fouling resistances, respectively. Based on the matrix of performance aspects, the very first DSI was constructed for the assessment of fertilizer suitability. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that fouling resistance played a pivotal role in the total variation of the system. The multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) suggested MAP as the most appropriate fertilizer with the highest fertilizer DS index (0.90), followed by KH2PO4 (0.67), KCl (0.65), NaNO3 (0.58), and NH4NO3 (0.16). A numerical simulation using an artificial intelligence-based technique revealed that MAP is also capable of maintaining high performance during long-term operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Duc Viet
- Graduate School of Water Resources, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Am Jang
- Graduate School of Water Resources, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Apel PY, Velizarov S, Volkov AV, Eliseeva TV, Nikonenko VV, Parshina AV, Pismenskaya ND, Popov KI, Yaroslavtsev AB. Fouling and Membrane Degradation in Electromembrane and Baromembrane Processes. MEMBRANES AND MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s2517751622020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Can Aggregate-Associated Organisms Influence the Fouling in a SWRO Desalination Plant? Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040682. [PMID: 35456734 PMCID: PMC9032733 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This pilot study investigates the formation of aggregates within a desalination plant, before and after pre-treatment, as well as their potential impact on fouling. The objective is to provide an understanding of the biofouling potential of the feed water within a seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant, due to the limited removal of fouling precursors. The 16S and 18S rRNA was extracted from the water samples, and the aggregates and sequenced. Pre-treatment systems, within the plant remove < 5 µm precursors and organisms; however, smaller size particles progress through the plant, allowing for the formation of aggregates. These become hot spots for microbes, due to their nutrient gradients, facilitating the formation of niche environments, supporting the proliferation of those organisms. Aggregate-associated organisms are consistent with those identified on fouled SWRO membranes. This study examines, for the first time, the factors supporting the formation of aggregates within a desalination system, as well as their microbial communities and biofouling potential.
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Al-Amshawee SKA, Husain MSB, Yunus MYBM, Mohamed Azmin NF, Temidayo Lekan O. Extruded and overlapped geometries of feed spacers for solution mixing in electrochemical reactors and electrodialysis-related processes. CHEM ENG COMMUN 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00986445.2022.2042271] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Khudhur Abbas Al-Amshawee
- Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
- Centre for Sustainability of Ecosystem & Earth Resources (Earth Centre), Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mohamed Saad Bala Husain
- Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Yusri Bin Mohd Yunus
- Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
- Centre for Sustainability of Ecosystem & Earth Resources (Earth Centre), Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Nor Fadhillah Mohamed Azmin
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Oladosu Temidayo Lekan
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Perak, Malaysia
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Temperature Effects of MD on Municipal Wastewater Treatment in an Integrated Forward Osmosis and Membrane Distillation Process. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10020355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An integrated forward osmosis (FO)-membrane distillation (MD) process is promising for the treatment and resource recovery from municipal wastewater. As higher temperature is applied in MD, it could affect the performance of both FO and MD units. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the type of draw solution (DS) and feed solution (FS) such as ammonium solution or municipal wastewater containing ammonium at higher temperatures on membrane treatment performance. It is found that higher FS and DS temperatures resulted in a higher water flux and a higher RSF with either NaCl or glucose as DS due to the increased diffusivity and reduced viscosity of DS. However, the water flux increased by 23–35% at elevated temperatures with glucose as DS, higher than that with NaCl as DS (8–19%), while the reverse solute flux (RSF) increase rate with NaCl as DS was two times higher than that with glucose as DS. In addition, the use of NaCl as DS at higher temperatures such as 50 and FS at 42 °C resulted in increased forward ammonium permeation from the FS to the DS, whereas ammonium was completely rejected with glucose as DS at all operating temperatures. Reducing pH or lowering the temperature of DS could improve ammonium rejection and minimize ammonia escape to the recovered water, but extra cost or reduced MD performance could be led to. Therefore, the results suggest that in an integrated FO-MD process with DS at higher temperatures such as 50 °C, glucose is better than NaCl as DS. Furthermore, a simplified heat balance estimation suggests that internal heat recovery in the FO-MD system is very necessary for treating municipal wastewater treatment. This study sheds light on the selection of DS in an integrated FO-MD process with elevated temperature of both FS and DS for the treatment of wastewater containing ammonium. In addition, this study highlights the necessity of internal heat recovery in the integrated FO-MD system.
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Almoalimi K, Liu YQ. Fouling and cleaning of thin film composite forward osmosis membrane treating municipal wastewater for resource recovery. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 288:132507. [PMID: 34627812 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Concentrating municipal wastewater by forward osmosis (FO) membrane to a high level of water recovery rate to facilitate downstream resource recovery might cause more serious membrane fouling. This study investigated the concentration of synthetic and real municipal wastewater to 90% water recovery rate by hollow fiber and flat-sheet thin film composite (TFC) FO membranes and their associated membrane fouling and cleaning. Results show that the FO membrane had high rejection rates of COD, phosphate, Ca2+ and Mg2+ with concentration factors at around 8 when achieving a 90% water recovery rate, which facilitated downstream phosphate recovery by precipitation and energy recovery by anaerobic digestion. Ca2+ concentration in municipal wastewater at 61 mg/L was found to be the main factor to cause inorganic scaling, and the fouling caused by calcium precipitates was harder to be cleaned by physical cleaning compared with suspended solids (SS) such as cellulose particles. In addition, the TFC FO membrane for treating real sewage with SS is not applicable for the hollow fiber configuration used in this study due to lumen clogging, while the TFC flat sheet configuration was able to achieve a 90% water recovery rate. The use of a spacer in the flat sheet configuration improved the efficiency of the following physical cleaning by around 15% although it did not alleviate membrane fouling during the membrane filtration process. This study highlighted the importance of the chemistry of FS and DS and FO membrane configuration on membrane fouling particularly at high water recovery rates and the necessity of pre-treatment of municipal wastewater by removing suspended solids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Almoalimi
- Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Yong-Qiang Liu
- Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom.
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Kamaludin R, Abdul Majid L, Othman MHD, Mansur S, Sheikh Abdul Kadir SH, Wong KY, Khongnakorn W, Puteh MH. Polyvinylidene Difluoride (PVDF) Hollow Fiber Membrane Incorporated with Antibacterial and Anti-Fouling by Zinc Oxide for Water and Wastewater Treatment. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12020110. [PMID: 35207032 PMCID: PMC8878803 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12020110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The addition of antibacterial material to hollow fiber membranes improves the membrane anti-biofouling characteristics. Antibacterial membranes were fabricated in this study to improve membrane function while also extending membrane lifetime. Neat polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and PVDF hollow fiber membrane with the incorporation of antibacterial agent zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with various loading (2.5–7.5 wt.%) were fabricated by using dry/wet spinning method. The membrane structure, particle distribution, functional group, hydrophilicity, and pore size of each membrane were all assessed. The result shows that all ZnO/PVDF hollow fiber membranes have the asymmetric structure with even dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles throughout the membranes. The results showed that increased ZnO loadings considerably improved membrane hydrophilicity, and average pore size, in addition to good performance of pure water flux. Antibacterial testing shows that ZnO incorporated in the membrane matrix and membrane surfaces prevents bacteria that cause biofouling from adhering to the membrane. ZnO/PVDF membrane recorded excellent bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection at 93.4% ± 0.4 with flux recovery rate at 70.9% ± 2.1. These results suggest that antibacterial ZnO/PVDF hollow fiber membranes are promising in relation to reducing biofouling for various water and wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roziana Kamaludin
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia; (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.H.P.)
| | - Lubna Abdul Majid
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering (SCEE), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia;
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia; (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.H.P.)
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering (SCEE), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Sumarni Mansur
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia; (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.H.P.)
| | - Siti Hamimah Sheikh Abdul Kadir
- Institute of Pathology, Laboratory and Forensics (I-PPerForM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Cawangan Selangor, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Keng Yinn Wong
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia;
| | - Watsa Khongnakorn
- Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand;
| | - Mohd Hafiz Puteh
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia; (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.H.P.)
- School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia
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32
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Zainol Abidin MN, Nasef MM, Matsuura T. Fouling Prevention in Polymeric Membranes by Radiation Induced Graft Copolymerization. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:197. [PMID: 35012218 PMCID: PMC8747411 DOI: 10.3390/polym14010197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of membrane processes in various fields has now undergone accelerated developments, despite the presence of some hurdles impacting the process efficiency. Fouling is arguably the main hindrance for a wider implementation of polymeric membranes, particularly in pressure-driven membrane processes, causing higher costs of energy, operation, and maintenance. Radiation induced graft copolymerization (RIGC) is a powerful versatile technique for covalently imparting selected chemical functionalities to membranes' surfaces, providing a potential solution to fouling problems. This article aims to systematically review the progress in modifications of polymeric membranes by RIGC of polar monomers onto membranes using various low- and high-energy radiation sources (UV, plasma, γ-rays, and electron beam) for fouling prevention. The feasibility of the modification method with respect to physico-chemical and antifouling properties of the membrane is discussed. Furthermore, the major challenges to the modified membranes in terms of sustainability are outlined and the future research directions are also highlighted. It is expected that this review would attract the attention of membrane developers, users, researchers, and scientists to appreciate the merits of using RIGC for modifying polymeric membranes to mitigate the fouling issue, increase membrane lifespan, and enhance the membrane system efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nidzhom Zainol Abidin
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia;
| | - Mohamed Mahmoud Nasef
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia;
- Center of Hydrogen Energy, Institute of Future Energy, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia
| | - Takeshi Matsuura
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
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Design and fabrication of fouling resistant cross-linked polyamide thin film composite nanofiltration membrane consisting of an aliphatic triamine and terephthaloyl chloride for water desalting applications. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.127855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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34
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Begum Tanis-Kanbur M, Raj Tamilselvam N, Wei Chew J. Membrane fouling mechanisms by BSA in aqueous-organic solvent mixtures. J IND ENG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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35
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Temperature Impact on Reverse Osmosis Permeate Flux in the Remediation of Hexavalent Chromium. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w14010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Reverse osmosis technique was applied in removing hexavalent chromium ions from artificial wastewater. Different operating conditions were studied to monitor the separation process using commercial Reverse Osmosis BW30XFR membrane. Different concentrations of hexavalent chromium; 5, 30, and 100 ppm were tested. Samples were subjected to incrementally increasing operating pressure; 10, 30, and 45 bar and flow rates; 2.2, 3.4, and 4.5 L/min under various temperatures; 25, 35, 45, and 55 °C. Collected permeate and concentrations were measured after each experiment using a UV spectrophotometer. Results obtained presented a higher rejection percentage at lower feed concentrations with a value up to 99.8% for 5 ppm in comparison to 94.3% for 30 ppm and 77.2% for 100 ppm concentration due to concentration polarization; however, it showed no effect of increasing operating flow rates. Moreover, the increase in feed temperature from 25 to 55 °C had positively increased permeate flux to more than 300 times. The permeate flux at 25 °C is recorded for all tested samples in the range of 30 to 158 kg/h·m2, this range has risen at 55 °C under the same conditions to the range of 70 to 226 kg/h·m2, indicating alteration within the membrane pore size due to temperature increase and high applied pressure concluding high sensitivity of polymeric membranes towards changing permeate flow rate with increasing temperatures.
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36
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Optimization of Magnetic Nanoparticles Draw Solution for High Water Flux in Forward Osmosis. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13243653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In this study, bare iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a co-precipitation method and used as a draw solute in forward osmosis. The synthesis conditions of the nanoparticles were optimized using the Box-Behnken method to increase the water flux of the forward osmosis process. The studied parameters were volume of ammonia solution, reaction temperature, and reaction time. The optimum reaction conditions were obtained at reaction temperature of 30 °C, reaction time of 2.73 h and 25.3 mL of ammonia solution. The water flux from the prediction model was found to be 2.06 LMH which is close to the experimental value of 1.98 LMH. The prediction model had high correlation factors (R2 = 98.82%) and (R2adj = 96.69%). This study is expected to be the base for future studies aiming at developing magnetic nanoparticles draw solution using co-precipitation method.
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38
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Xue X, Tan G, Zhu Z. All-Polymer and Self-Roughened Superhydrophobic PVDF Fibrous Membranes for Stably Concentrating Seawater by Membrane Distillation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:45977-45986. [PMID: 34523328 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c12775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Novel specially wettable membranes have been attracting significant attention for durable membrane distillation (MD). However, constructing a superhydrophobic interface often has to undergo complex modification procedures including roughness construction and hydrophobic modification. Herein, all-polymer and self-roughened superhydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride) fibrous membranes (PVDF FMs) with robustly stable pores were successfully constructed via electrospinning of fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes/PVDF (F-POSS/PVDF) emulsion solution in combination with hot-pressing. The comparative experiment reveals that proper hot-pressing, including adequate temperature and pressure, can help improve membrane pore stability by welding the intersecting fibers and increase the membrane surface hydrophobicity by transferring the inner fluorine chains to the outer fiber surface, simultaneously advancing membrane scaling and fouling resistance. Nevertheless, excessive temperature or pressure will destroy the interconnected pores and surface wettability of the PVDF FM. Significantly, the hot-pressing-treated F-POSS/PVDF FM shows a high water recovery (∼90%) and robust stability after five rounds of the concentration process toward concentrating natural seawater as a target. Thus, the all-polymer and self-roughened superhydrophobic PVDF FMs constructed via electrospinning combined with the thermal treatment have potential applications in concentrating hypersaline brines, which make up for the other membrane technology, including reverse osmosis and nanofiltration technologies that failed to concentrate hypersaline solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Xue
- Key Laboratory of New Membrane Materials, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Environment and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Guangming Tan
- Key Laboratory of New Membrane Materials, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Environment and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Zhigao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of New Membrane Materials, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Environment and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
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Recent Desalination Technologies by Hybridization and Integration with Reverse Osmosis: A Review. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13101369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Reverse osmosis is the leading technology for desalination of brackish water and seawater, important for solving the growing problems of fresh water supply. Thermal technologies such as multi-effect distillation and multi-stage flash distillation still comprise an important portion of the world’s desalination capacity. They consume substantial amounts of energy, generally obtained from fossil fuels, due to their low efficiency. Hybridization is a strategy that seeks to reduce the weaknesses and enhance the advantages of each element that makes it up. This paper introduces a review of the most recent publications on hybridizations between reverse osmosis and thermal desalination technologies, as well as their integration with renewable energies as a requirement to decarbonize desalination processes. Different configurations provide improvements in key elements of the system to reduce energy consumption, brine production, and contamination, while improving product quality and production rate. A combination of renewable sources and use of energy and water storage systems allow for improving the reliability of hybrid systems.
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Hafiz M, Alfahel R, Hawari AH, Hassan MK, Altaee A. A Hybrid NF-FO-RO Process for the Supply of Irrigation Water from Treated Wastewater: Simulation Study. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11030191. [PMID: 33801819 PMCID: PMC8001161 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Municipal treated wastewater could be considered as a water source for food crop irrigation purposes. Enhancing the quality of treated wastewater to meet irrigation standards has become a necessary practice. Nanofiltration (NF) was used in the first stage to produce permeate at relatively low energy consumption. In the second stage, two membrane combinations were tested for additional water extraction from the brine generated by the NF process. The simulation results showed that using a hybrid forward osmosis (FO)–reverse osmosis (RO) system is more efficient than using the RO process alone for the further extraction of water from the brine generated by the NF process. The total specific energy consumption can be reduced by 27% after using FO as an intermediate process between NF and RO. In addition, the final permeate water quality produced using the hybrid FO-RO system was within the allowable standards for food crops irrigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- MhdAmmar Hafiz
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (M.H.); (R.A.)
| | - Radwan Alfahel
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (M.H.); (R.A.)
| | - Alaa H. Hawari
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (M.H.); (R.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +974-4403-4184
| | | | - Ali Altaee
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology in Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
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