How to extend the lifetime of RO membrane? From the perspective of the end-of-life RO membrane autopsy

Wang, Jinyan; Xing, Jia; Li, Ge; Yao, Zhikan; Zhang, Ni; Wang, Jing; Liang, Songmiao; Zhou, Zhijun; Zhang, Lin

doi:10.1016/j.desal.2023.116702

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Reverse osmosis process has great potential in eliminating the dissolved contaminants in seawater, however, the membranes suffer from R https://ijisd.journals.ekb.eg/ irreversible fouling over time and must be replaced frequently. Tons of end-of-life nonbiodegradable membranes have been disposed into the ecosystem which poses serious environmental concerns [5]. A previous study estimated the mass destined for landfills due to the disposal of 9000 RO modules to be 121.5 tons/year [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recycling Reverse Osmosis Membranes: Addressing the Challenges of Non-Biodegradability and Waste Generation

Mansi,

Abdallah,

Li Feng

et al. 2024

International Journal of Industry and Sustainable Development

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Non-biodegradable waste accumulation is a crucial environmental concern. One of the major drawbacks of modern desalination plants is the massive quantities of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes solid waste. This paper explores the problem of nonbiodegradable membranes and the growing concern surrounding the massive accumulation of RO membrane waste. Furthermore, it investigates the feasibility and potential benefits of recycling and reusing RO membranes as a sustainable solution. Reverse osmosis membranes have a limited life span of between five to seven years. Tons of non-biodegradable RO membranes are disposed of annually in landfills which poses severe environmental concerns. Several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of recycling RO membranes, including the presence of irreversible fouling, the diverse composition of membranes, and the need for cost-effective and energy-efficient recycling methods. However, recent advances in pretreatment processes, antifouling membranes, anit-scalant solutions, and membrane characterization provide possibilities for overcoming these complications. By embracing recycling and reuse strategies for RO membranes, the water treatment industry can transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible approach. Therefore, recycling RO membranes can offer large economic and environmental benefits.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%